Irby Ray Parker

Born October 25, 1940 in Corning, Arkansas to William A. and Clora B. (Harston) Parker, he married Lillian Anne Hathcote on August 19, 1963 in Mifflin, Tennessee. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Calvin “Dale” (Denise) Parker of Denver, Colorado and Scott Ray Parker of Marquette Heights; four grandchildren, Aubrey (Ryan) Brammer and Abbey Parker, both of Texas and Jayden Parker and Jace Parker, both of Colorado; one great-granddaughter, Emma Brammer of Texas and two nephews, Eddie Pollock of Illinois and Jeffery (Tammy) Pollock of North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Mary Johnson and two nieces Patricia Anne Franks and Jan Doza.

Irby worked as a power trucker at Caterpillar, Inc. at the Mapleton Foundry for 31 years, retiring in 1992.

He was a horseman and a horse lover his entire life. He enjoyed sharing his horse knowledge and skills with others, especially with young people. He also enjoyed carpentry.

Irby was of the Baptist Faith.

Cremation has been accorded by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. A celebration of Irby’s life will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023 at Liberty Hall, 100 Lincoln Road, Marquette Heights.

Memorial contributions may be given to Central Illinois Riding Therapy, 305, Neumann Drive, East Peoria, Illinois 61611.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com