Gene Parker

Gene Raymond Parker, Sr., 75, passed away at home August 13, 2008. He was lovingly cared for and surrounded by his family throughout his fight with cancer.
Gene was born September 11, 1932 and was a lifelong resident of Des Moines. He graduated from East High School. He worked for Paxton Lumber Co. and then worked for and retired from Blue Line Transfer and Storage. He was a member of Teamster Local Union #147.
He enjoyed listening to Eddie Arnold music, watching TV, reading the newspaper and loved playing cards with special friends and family. He was always up for a cold beer and a game of horse shoes at the annual family reunions and at his home.
He loved his family and was always there for them. His eight children, his twenty-four grandchildren and his eight great-grandchildren all learned very early just where to plant a kiss on grandpa’s cheek.
He was so loved and will be greatly missed by those he left behind. His wife of 39 years, Bessie, whom he married on July 12, 1969. His eight children, Craig (& Kathie) Parker of Des Moines, Kim (& Doug) Valentine of Ankeny, Khris (& Steve) Wilbur of Newton, Kathy Tollenaar and Karen Butters of Des Moines, Curt Parker of Tennessee, Gene Jr.(& Dina) Parker of Altoona and Dody (& Mike) of Florida; sisters, Mary Stone of Des Moines and Carolyn (& Gary) Mcmains of Mitchellville; brothers, Danny Parker and Ivan (& Mary) Parker of Des Moines.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Percy and Jessie Parker and brothers, Richard and Carl.
Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. and funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2008 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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