William Robert Parker

William Robert Parker, age 89, entered his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 26, 2025. He was born on April 20,1935 to Amos and Dorothy (Allison) Parker in Fremont Michigan. He graduated from Fremont High School in 1953 and shortly after, began working on the pipeline around the state with his father.  He was working on the natural gas pipeline in Monroe Michigan when he met Ruth Ann Procy at Cunningham’s Drug store where she served him cherry cokes. He and Ruth Ann married November 26, 1955 and shared 66 years together.  He retired from Michigan Gas Utilities Company in 1997 after 35 years on the gas line street crew, Foreman, and as a customer service agent in his latter years. He simultaneously was self-employed repairing and replacing many roofs throughout Monroe County.  Bill joins his wife, Ruth Ann and son, Lynn in heaven who preceded him in death. He is survived by his children, Pamela Parker (Nathanael) Rodriguez, Jon Parker, Kellie Hardwick; grandchildren, Krista Parker (Steve Latimer), Nicole Hardwick, Jamie Schlump (Brick Loomis), Justin Schlump; and great- granddaughter Lana Loomis.  At 10 months old, little Billy Parker was featured as a Gerber Baby and was added to the cherished  Gerber album. Bill was a lifelong passionate outdoorsman. He excelled from a young age in archery and riflery. He was known for his immense love for hunting the woods and fishing the lakes of Michigan and beyond with his son, Jon, and friends. He was always eager to share his venison or catch with anyone who stopped by. He also enjoyed a lifetime of camping trips with friends and family, fishing in the backwoods of Canada, golfing and travel adventures throughout the country with his wife, children, grandchildren and great granddaughter. His love for nature influenced his family, especially his great granddaughter who loved to spend time with him in the outdoors of the Pacific Northwest. He shared many stories with his family of his childhood in Newaygo County, riding his horse bareback along the Muskegon River, fishing in the rivers and lakes around his home, contending with 3 older sisters, and describing how it was ‘back then’. He spent many years on bowling leagues, golf leagues, and softball teams, even getting to attend a Detroit Tiger training camp where he met and got to play with many greats. He was a member of Crossroads Community Church in Adrian. While he is now resting in peace in the Lord’s loving arms, he will be missed by all who loved and knew him. His kind heart, quiet thoughtfulness, and unexpected zingers brought his family and friends great joy and laughter.  A Celebration of Life will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, with Pastor Scott Winstead officiating.  Visitation will also be on Saturday from 1:00 PM until the time of service at the Purse Funeral Home, Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Robert Parker, please visit our floral store.