Russell Parker

RUSSELL LEE PARKER

Cedar Rapids

Russell Lee Parker, 70, died July 16, 2017, at home surrounded by family. Russ was diagnosed recently with stage IV glioblastoma, a type of aggressive brain cancer.

Russ, as seen from his humble beginnings in Clarksville, Tenn., was always a survivor and fought to better himself where he could. He moved to Illinois, then quickly to Cedar Rapids in 1966, where he met his soon to be wife at a local dance. At the dance, the police made sure everyone was dancing or they had to leave. He chose a dance partner who later became his wife. He knew he found a good catch and forever became a part of the Clark family when Patricia Alida Clark married Russ on Aug. 19, 1967, on his 21st birthday. The common joke at the time was then he would never forget his anniversary. They had three children, Michelle, AlidaLee and Scott. They moved around Iowa over the years but returned to their beginning roots, Cedar Rapids, in 2010.

He held many jobs over the years. He always made sure the family was provided for. He had the best work ethic and enjoyed the jobs and people he worked with.

He is survived by his brothers, Bill and Charles Parker; his wife; all three children; grandchildren, Sagen Parker, RidgeLee Gingerich, AshLee Gingerich, Sydney Parker and Kennedy Parker; and one great-grandchild, Shayla Clark.

When Russ was diagnosed with brain cancer, he approached it the same way he did for all obstacles; he was going to fight it. After his surgery, he woke up from anesthesia telling everyone, "I am going to fight the good fight."

Any memorials we ask you send them directly to his wife, Patricia Parker, via their church.

The memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 19, at their church, Christ Church Presbyterian, 2000 First Ave. NW, Cedar Rapids. A lunch will be provided after the service.