Parker, Roy W. Jr.

Roy W. Parker Jr., 92, was born July 20, 1920, and was welcomed at heaven's gate by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 15, 2013. Anxiously waiting in heaven to greet him were his beloved wife, Louise; son, Kent; parents, Roy and Vera; sisters, Ruth and Kay; brothers, Tom and Guy; and a host of others touched by his life, including those very special friends in the “bridge gang.”

Roy was born in Nebraska City, Neb., and graduated from Auburn High School in Auburn, Neb. In 1939, he moved with his family to Cedar Rapids, where he began his 43-year career at Sears Roebuck, most of which was spent managing the plumbing and heating department.

He met the love of his life, Louise Fiscus, in Cedar Rapids in 1940 and they married at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa on Aug. 17, 1941. Not long after Roy and Louise celebrated their 70th anniversary, God called Louise to heaven.

Roy was called to service during World War II and attained the rank of Master Sargent in the Army Air Corps 13th Air Force B-24 Bombers, known as the “Snoopers.” He served in the Pacific Theatre in Guadal Canal, New Georgia, Philippines and Okinawa.

Roy and Louise built their home and life together in Cedar Rapids. Infant son, Kent LeRoy preceded them to heaven in 1943; son, Robert “Bob” was born in 1947 and daughter, Jane in 1952. Roy and Louise were members of First Christian Church and joyfully served God in many capacities in this congregation.

Roy loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, hunting, searching for mushrooms and serving as a Scout leader. He passed his great love of the outdoors to his children. He was happiest when serving others and fellowshipping with family and friends.

Roy is survived by son, Bob (Vickie) Parker (Johnsburg, Ill.); daughter, Jane (Nat) Broughton (Frisco, Texas); grandchildren, Shannon Parker (Johnsburg, Ill.), Katie (Mark) MacMillan (Antioch, Ill.), Chip Broughton, (Newport, R.I.) and Michael (Sharon) Broughton (McKinney, Texas); and great-grandchildren, Parker, Ben and Abbie Stillwell and Zachary and Kelsie MacMillan.

Visitation in McHenry, Ill., will be held at Justen Funeral Home Wednesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m., with services beginning at 2:30 p.m. Pastor Kerry Bauman will officiate. Visitation in Cedar Rapids will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., with a memorial service at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories at 9 a.m. Friday, led by the Rev. Fred Darbonne.

Charitable donations can be made in Roy's name to Journeycare, .

Published April 17 and 18, 2013, in The Gazette