Robert enlisted in the Air Force (Army Air Corps) in 1946, the age of 17. He proudly served at Chanute AFB, IL, Upper Heyford AB, England, Scott AFB, IL, Ladd AFB, AK, Prestwick, AFB, Scotland, Ellsworth AFB, SD, Offutt AFB, NE, and retired in 1968 after nearly 23 years of service, as a Senior Master Sergeant.
He continued in government service as a civilian for almost 20 additional years. His heart of service for his country and for his Savior, was apparent in all aspects of his life.
As a family, we will be forever grateful for both Robert and Elsie, his wife of 72 years, demonstrating what a joy it is to serve the Lord.
Robert was born January 14, 1928 in West Stewartsown, NH, to Edwin F. and Ida Rose (Libby) Parker. He was the 7th of 11 children. He married Elsie Piercy on January 23, 1949. Together, they shared 71 1/2 years of marriage before her passing on September 22, 2020.
He was also preceded in death by one son, Michael Robert Parker; brothers, George Parker and Harley Parker; and sisters, Lydia Haynes, Virginia Stanton, Josephine Estabrooks, Jeannette Kimball, Neicie Lyons, Phyllis Mosher and Rachel Langlais.
Surviving is his daughter, Debra (Jack) Hook of Fairview Heights, IL; grandchildren, Tami (David) Wolfson, Kayla (Bob) Surrey, Joy (Jim) Siegrist and Jennifer (Ben) Adams; great-grandchildren, Mykel, James, Parker, Anyka, Nathian, Lincoln, Jonah, Emilia, Ruell, Kulani-Kai, London, Nylah, Emily, Libby, Parker Grace and Hattie; one sister, Edwina Adair; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
VISITATION: A visitation for Robert will be held on Wednesay, June 9, 2021 from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at Lake View Funeral Home, 5000 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights, IL.
SERVICE: A funeral service will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021 at 10:00AM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
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