George E Parker Jr.

Growing up, George was an ornery child. His mother loved to tell the story of his first day of elementary school. Upon arriving home, after walking him to school, she found him sitting on the front steps, having escaped from the teacher. His determination and spunk were a sign of things to come. In his youth, he played high-school football, he played the trumpet in The Ohio State University marching band, and he learned the excavating business from his father. George and his family raised, trained, and showed horses for many years. His family was active in the Ohio Quarter Horse Association.

His expert horsemanship led to a chance, but muddy, encounter with a “vision in a chartreuse dress.” He fell instantly in love with Vivian (Rice) and has adored her ever since. They dated for six years and were married in 1963. After 61 years of marriage, he would still get a twinkle in his eye when he saw her.

George was a nurturing, supportive father to his daughter Audra. He taught his daughter by example, displaying fortitude, optimism, and most notably, integrity. He was never afraid to take a risk, and he was a hard-working provider for his family. He and his wife complimented each other well. He was the spontaneous, fun-loving, charismatic visionary, while she made sure everything was planned and organized. Together, they created a warm home environment filled with love that was quite extraordinary.

Their home itself was a testament to George’s greatest passion and talent. He graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in architecture. He founded his own architectural firm, George Parker and Associates, Architects and Planners and he renovated the Olde Gahanna Schoolhouse building for his office space. George designed their home, which was built in Gahanna in 1972, in the style of Frank Lloyd Wright, and it won several awards. After his retirement, their home was expertly updated by the new owners into a vacation destination and named Parker House Ohio in his honor (www.parkerhouseohio.com). A drive around Gahanna, Ohio is a tour of his extensive architectural portfolio, from subdivisions and medical offices to ice cream shops and restaurants. He loved meeting with clients, sketching as they talked, turning dreams for their home into reality.

George was a lifelong learner and book collector, with a keen interest in colonial U.S. history. He enjoyed traveling and exploring historical landmarks. He was a lover of animals, and his best friend was his dog, Shadow. He was a captivating storyteller. Dinner parties and family gatherings at the Parker’s always ended with everyone gathered around the table, stomachs full of Vivian’s excellent food, laughing and listening to George tell grand stories of his adventures.

And what an adventure his life was. Congratulations to George on a life well lived. We celebrate his accomplishments, we admire his moral character, and most of all, we cherish our joyful memories of him. We welcome you to leave your favorite memory of George to share with his family and friends.

George is survived by his wife Vivian, daughter Audra (Nick), grandson Benjamin, sister Barbara Verburg (Robert), and a large extended family that he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his father George Sr., mother Frances, and half-sister Martha Terrell.

Visitation hours will be held on Sunday February 16th from 2-5pm at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast. 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, Ohio 43230. All are welcome.

A private funeral for the family will take place the next day at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org.