Ed Parker

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Edwin W. Parker (Neosho), born December 31, 1923 in Billings, MT, the son of T.C. and Flora Bell (Newman) Parker. He passed into Heaven April 9, 2017. Ed is survived by sons Larry W. Parker (MerriLoy) Tyrone, OK; Robert W. Parker (Mara) Rocky Comfort; daughter Kathy Parker-Collier (Mark) Neosho; 3 granddaughters; 7 grandsons; and numerous great-grandchildren. Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife Norma of 55 years; his parents, and a brother, Jack Parker.

Ed graduated Stella High School in May 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy the following October. He served as a Pharmacist Mate First Class for the duration of his tour being stationed in New Caledonia, South Pacific. He was a patriot who loved his country unconditionally, earning the Victory Medal; Good Conduct Medal; American Theatre Award; Asiatic Pacific Award; and the State of Missouri Award for Patriotic Service.

After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he spent several years in Tulsa working as a mechanic for Kaiser-Frasier. Moving back to the Longview area, he owned and operated the “Longview Garage” for several years. He would later go to work as a lead man at Eagle Pitcher in Joplin, retiring in 1986. Ed enjoyed fishing at Roaring River and having coffee at the Longview Cafe. He was an avid wood worker who loved sharing his toys, puzzles, or whatnots with whoever crossed his path. He had a heart of gold, an ornery sense of humor who never met a stranger, and would give you the shirt off his back. There was no project he wouldn’t tackle. His mind and memory were like the motors he loved - always running – no engine was too big or too small.

Until recent years, Ed was an active 50+ year member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of the York Rite and Scottish Rite in Joplin.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm, April 13th at Clark Funeral Home (Neosho) with Military Honors and interment at Rocky Comfort Cemetery. Masonic services will be at 6 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home and visitation will follow until 7:30 pm. Pallbearers are Chris Brock, Jeff Brock, Mark Collier, Mason Hollaway, Jon Parker, and Robert Parker. Honorary pallbearers are Beverly Shockley, Virgil Carter, Leon Hutchins and Dale Laughlin. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Neosho Masonic Lodge. Arrangements under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho.