Date of Death: October 28, 2020
Service Details
Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. until time of service at noon at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. Rev. Brenda Deily will officiate. Interment will follow in Schoolcraft Cemetery.
Obituary Notice
Thomas Gordon Parker, 80, of Three Rivers, earned his wings and went to be with our Lord on October 28, 2020 after a battle with Parkinson’s and Dementia.
He was the first born son of Chester and Minniebelle (Chapman) Parker. He was born in Kalamazoo on March 16, 1940. He was raised on the family farm north of Schoolcraft.
He graduated from Schoolcraft High School in 1958. He joined the Naval Reserve in November 1957 serving actively from May 1959 to February 1961. He was discharged on November 25, 1963. He attended Ferris State College (Ferris State University) studying Industrial Chemistry.
On January 1, 1960 he married Glenna Jeanne Graves in the Schoolcraft Presbyterian Church. They lived in Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo and finally settled at Fishers Lake, Three Rivers in 1966.
He worked for Protection Products (Champion International) Kalamazoo, Ram Products in Sturgis and ended his working career at Royal Adhesives in South Bend in March 2004. He enjoyed hunting on the family farm, fishing with his brothers and sons and watching his sons, granddaughters, and great-grandchildren play Baseball, Football and Soccer.
He is survived by his wife, Glenna; sons, Scott (Kara) of Leonidas and Seth (Molly) of Ft. Wayne. Three granddaughters, Nicole Burdette, Heather Turner and Natalie Parker; one grandson, Evan Tracy. Six great-grandchildren: Breckin, Makenzie, Coltin Burdette and David III, Ryan and Eleanor Turner. Two Brothers: Robert (Patty) and James (Jerrita) Parker. Several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Edwin; and great-grandson, Wyatt Turner.
Additional Information
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or Hospice of Southwest Michigan. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding
Dear Glenna and Family,
I’m wish to extend my sympathy for your loss of Tom. How I remember how you loved him even in High School!
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wanted to send a card but your address and phone # aren’t in the book.
Most Sincerely,
Your Classmate,
Elaine Strand
Glenna, May your memories surround you with hope and strength. Thinking of you and praying for you and your wonderful family during this difficult time
Aunt Glenna, the entire Darlison Family sends our deepest sympathy during this difficult time. You and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
The Darlison Family
Our condolences to the Parker family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Glenna, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. I have so many good memories of the old days when we were all young.
My deepest sympathies and hugs and prayers to the Parker family. What a special man and a great father! I will always carry wonderful memories of Mr Parker and the love and kindness this family gave me.
Dear Glenna and Family!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathy and love to the Parker family.
Glenna, lots of great memories from long ago. Remember the empty chair is to remind you of all the good times. You and family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary and Joan Melvin
Glenna, sending hugs and prayers for you!