Howard F. Parker, 83, of Decker, died following a short illness Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Covenant Health Care System, Cooper Campus, Saginaw. He was born July 8, 1930 at home in Decker to Andrew and Azelie (Garbutt) Parker. He married Beverly Ione Andress July 21, 1955 in Angola, IN. She died July 9, 1992. Howard served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He worked as a truck driver for McLouth Steel in Detroit and Trenton for 25 years. He later worked for Key Wells and Ferris Processing as a truck driver. After being hurt at a part time job, Howard showed his determination and hard working nature by continuing to do as many chores as possible. As a paraplegic he was still able to cut grass, plow snow, cut down trees, make macramé chairs and many other jobs that needed to be done. He enjoyed hunting deer, rabbit and turkey. Years ago he enjoyed fishing including smelt dipping. Howard enjoyed water skiing and swimming. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren. Howard taught them many things including hunting and other life lessons. Howard is survived by his daughters: Susan (Teddy) Booth of Wyandotte, Julie (Michael) Albright of Wyandotte; grandchildren: Danny (Traci) Booth, Jason Booth, Brian (Stephanie) Booth, Kevin (Christina Shank) Booth, Corey (Candace) Parker, Sarah Albright, Matthew Albright, Kyle Waseleski; great grandchildren: Kristin, Austin, CJ, Clayton, Carmen, Charlie, Kaden, Brandon, Delanie, Ashlyn, Aerilyn, Brandon, Brian; sister-in-law, Mary Parker of Orton, Ontario; many nieces and nephews. Howard is also survived by special friend, Cleora Kloc of Decker. He is preceded in death by an infant son, Howard; daughter, Sherrie Waseleski Dutton, sister, Agnes (Clarence) Brown; brothers: James Parker, Ezra (Ethel) Parker, Oscar (Dorothy) Parker, Earl (Millie) Parker.
Funeral service held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City with Pastor Keith Clark of Victory Baptist Church, Taylor, officiating. Interment will be in Ellington Township Cemetery. Pallbearers for Mr. Parker: Danny Booth, Jason Booth, Kevin Booth, Corey Parker, Matthew Albright and Kyle Waseleski. Military honors under the direction of U.S. Army and Cass City VFW Post#3644. Memorials may be made to Revive Ministries Food Bank. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at www.kranzfuneralhome.com. Visitation: 2 to 9 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2014 in Kranz Funeral Home – Cass City