Parker, Roger Gray (1928 – 2007)

PARKER, GRAY, FERRARELLO, KINNEY, DOONAN, PETERSEN, CATHCART, MARSHALL

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 9/27/2013 at 18:10:15

Roger Parker
November 19, 1928 - November 30, 2007

Vistiation
Monday, December 3, 2007
5:00 - 7:00 PM
Ohde Funeral Home, Kimballton

Funeral Service
Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 10:30 AM
United Methodist Church
Harlan, Iowa

Pastor David Swinton, Officiating

Music
“The Old Rugged Cross”
Congregation
“Amazing Grace” “In The Garden”
Dave & Lori Seilstad; Troy Kinney;
Caroline & Parker Seilstad;
Bailey & Jordan Kinney
Diane Book, Organ
Janelle Nielsen, Piano

Casket Bearers
Mindy & Andy Cathcart;
Christopher & Jessica Petersen;
Nickolas Petersen; Michael Parker; Ryan Parker;
Dylan Parker; Sydney Parker;
Mallory Parker; Nolan Parker

Honorary Casket Bearers
Roger Andersen; Troy Petersen; Dale Christensen;
Gordon Esbeck; Bob Lincoln;
Duane Small;
Willis Hansen; Charlie Andersen;
Burton Esbeck; Gary Robertson

Interment with Military Honors
American Legion Post 322
Monroe Methodist Cemetery
241 Umbrella Road
Southwest of Elk Horn, Iowa

Roger Gray, son of Lloyd S. and Alma (Gray) Parker, was born November 19, 1928, at Oakland, Iowa. He moved with his family to a farm southwest of Elk Horn when he was six years old. Roger graduated from Elk Horn High School in 1947 and entered the United States Army in 1951. He served as a clerk/typist in Korea during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, he returned to Iowa and worked as a carpenter.

On February 8, 1958, Roger was united in marriage with Jo Ann Ferrarello at Plattsmouth, Nebraska. They lived in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he worked as a carpenter with Thornton Construction in Omaha. In 1961 Roger and Jo Ann moved back to the family farm southwest of Elk Horn, Iowa. Three children were born to this union. In addition to his farming, Roger continued to do carpentry work. He retired in 1992 and he and Jo Ann remained on the farm.

Roger was a lifetime member of Monroe Methodist Church where he was active in all aspects of his church. He was a member of American Legion Post 322 in Elk Horn. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their sporting activities and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan. Playing guitar and singing with his grandchildren was another of his favorite past-times. Roger will be remembered by all who knew him as having a dry sense of humor.

After a year long battle with cancer, Roger died at his home southwest of Elk Horn surrounded by his loving family late Friday, November 30, 2007, at the age of 79 years and 11 days.

Preceeding Roger in death are his parents; sister Lorna Kinney and brother-in-law Dale Doonan.

He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Parker of Elk Horn; three children: Roxanne and husband Tony Petersen of Kimballton; Roger Parker Jr. and wife Lisa of Elk Horn; and Doug Parker and wife Pamela of Elk Horn; nine grandchildren: Mindy and husband Andy Cathcart; Christopher Petersen and wife Jessica; Nickolas Petersen; Michael Parker; Ryan Parker; Dylan Parker; Sydney Parker; Mallory Parker; and Nolan Parker; two sisters Bernita Doonan of Harlan and Phyllis and her husband George Marshall of Council Bluffs; brother Lloyd Wray Parker and wife Pat of Estes Park, Colorado; brother-in-law Lester Kinney of Council Bluffs and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Source: Ohde Funeral Home
Posted by permission