Harold Noel Parker
Harold Noel Parker, 87, of Du Quoin, passed away at 4:55 p.m., Wednesday, Oct.r 17, 2012 at the home of his longtime companion Mary Swallows. He was a father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many. Harold had many nicknames, that embodied his larger-than-life personality, including "Herbie", "gramps," and the "The Great One."
He was born March 4, 1925 in Du Quoin, Ill. the son of Ira Noel and Mary Katherine (Rick) Parker.
He attended Du Quoin High School and lived most of his life in Du Quoin operating a vending and amusement machine business called Parker Amusement.
Near the end of his senior year of high school, at the age of 18, Harold signed up to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He received his diploma while deployed on the USS Salamaua in the Pacific Theatre. He was a gunner on a Grumman TBF Avenger torpedo bomber. He earned three battle stars on his uniform for his bravery and honor in combat between 1943 and 1946. He also earned many service ribbons and medals. After the war, he returned to Southern Illinois where he worked until his retirement in 1990. Harold loved hunting, fishing, outdoor activities, and gatherings in his shop with family and friends.
He was a life member of the Du Quoin Elks and American Legion and a member of the VFW Club and Eagles.
He married Lucille B. Hargett on Aug. 1, 1943 at Norman, Okla. and she preceded him in death May 20, 1994.
He is survived by his special companion- Mary Swallows and her family- Mary Beth and Tara Wynn, Lee and Marcy, Alina and Madison, Jamie and Michelle, Ben, Kaylene, Caleb and Claire, son- Lou Parker and wife Sandy of Simpson, Ill., daughter-in-law- Christa Parker of Steeleville, Ill., grandchildren- Molly Parker of Simpson, Ill., Mike and Heather Parker of Charleston, S.C., Matt and Tracy Parker of Sparta, Ill., Eric and Beth Parker of Godfrey, Ill., great grandchildren- Nicholas Parker, Ethan Pierce, Marina Parker and Melaine Parker, nieces and nephews- Chuck and Marlene Koerner of Herrin and Jean Heape of Du Quoin.
He was preceded in death by his parents- Ira and Mary Parker, wife- Lucille Parker, son- Donn Parker, two sisters- Louise Parker and Lula Koerner, one infant sister- Elizabeth Parker.
Graveside services will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin, Ill.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin VFW and American Legion and the US Navy.
Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the TIP Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Those attending the services are asked to go directly to the cemetery
The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.