Joe Parker - LHS Class of 1953

Douglas Joe Parker, 70, Leavenworth, passed away Jan. 29, 2005, at Overland Park Regional Medical Center.
Joe was born Jan. 26, 1935, in Burlingame, the son of Lester Parker and Gladys Droegmier Pogue; both deceased. He attended Leavenworth schools graduating from Leavenworth Senior High School in 1953.
He married Anne Meaders (LHS Class of 1953) on July 26, 1953. Anne preceded him in death on Oct. 16, 1995. One brother, Gus Parker, and a sister, Doris Trapani, also preceded him in death.
He is survived by three sisters, Phyllis Moore and her husband, Bill, Gretchen Cowan and Linda Tarkington. He is also survived by his children, Douglas Parker and his wife, Sheryl, Leavenworth, and Jo Anne Parker, Lansing; eight grandchildren, Tiffany Parker, Nicklas Parker, Meghan Parker, Andrew Thompson, Matthew Thompson, Bethanie Stelter, Jacob Simanowitz and Sarah Simanowitz; and four great-grandchildren, Chelsa Stelter, Nathen Stelter, Riley Parker Cecil and Mila Anne Snedegar. His fiancé, Joane Wyrick (LHS Class of 1952), survives at the home.
He was a self-employed contractor for many years owning Parker Construction Company, which he had taken over after his father's retirement. He and Anne owned L & J Record Shop in Leavenworth, was formerly employed by Kaaz Construction Company and he was retired from the Federal Reserve Bank in Kansas City, Mo.
As a young man he obtained his pilot's license and enjoyed hunting, fishing and taking trips on his motorcycle. He was probably best known for his truly charitable spirit, generously giving his time and talent to family and friends, with his children and their families being the beneficiaries of his help in building their homes.
Joe's greatest joy has been his family, devoting most of his time to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If you knew Joe, it was quickly apparent that his "babies" were what kept him going throughout some difficult times and he was looking forward to his routine of helping out with his great-grandchildren and entertaining at his large family gatherings.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at the Davis Funeral Chapel, 531 Shawnee St., Leavenworth. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at the funeral chapel. Dr. William T. Nowlan will officiate. Burial will be in the Mount Muncie Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be given to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.