Jack Brannon Parker

Jack Brannon Parker, local Huntingburg business man, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 28, 2012. He was surrounded by his loving family, companion, and pets. Jack was born on December 10, 1929 to Stanley and Ruby (Hoeffer) Parker in Elwood, IN. He graduated from Elwood High School in 1948 and attended Butler University/Indianapolis on a football scholarship. He served in the Army during the Korean War.

First employed by Behr-Manning as a salesman, he stepped out on his first solo business endeavor as the Jack B. Parker Company selling woodworking machinery. His next endeavor was a joint business venture with Gene Meyerholtz in the opening of Dubois Wood Products. He retired in December, 2008 after many years of business adventures to spend leisure time with his kids and grandkids.

Jack was a member of the Grand Lodge F&RM of Indiana. He enjoyed tooling around in his Austin Healy, entertaining the kids poolside, sponsoring the annual phenomenal fireworks display, perusing the aisles of Walmart, and being a kind, generous soul. Countless individuals were touched by him. We will miss him deeply.

Jack was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Hosier Parker; and his second wife, Mari Anne Davison O’Riley Parker. He was also preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Linda Staurowsky; and a granddaughter.

Jack is survived by: his sister, Frances (Robert) Morrow of Huntingburg; two sons, Robert Parker (Kelly) of Clarksville, TN, and John Parker (Sheila) of Velpen; four daughters, Martha Bickwermert of Huntingburg, Amy Parker (Barb Neligan) of Nashville, TN, Julie O’Riley Tempel (Paul) and Jennifer O’Riley Carnahan (Dale) both of Jasper; one daughter-in-law, Estella Quiroga Parker of Mesquite, TX; and his loving companion, Jacqueline Bolton of Jasper. Also surviving are: twelve grandchildren – Adam Parker, David Quiroga, Krisi Quiroga, Kristen Bickwermert, Aaron Bickwermert, Beth Luegers Fakes, Joshua Tempel, Brannon Mehringer, Kaitlyn Terwiske, Emma Terwiske, Avery Parker and Melissa Carnahan; a special friend, Grace Bolton; and his great grandchildren who brought him so much joy.

Memorial Services for Jack Parker will be held at 6:30 p.m., E.D.T., on Friday, June 1, 2012 at the Nass & Son Funeral Home in Huntingburg. The family invites you to join them between 5:00 and 6:30 p.m., Friday evening at the funeral home to visit and share the many good memories we all have of Jack.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: A Kid’s Place Daycare Center C/O the Huntingburg Foundation, 309 North Geiger St, Huntingburg, IN 47542. Jack’s love of children will be best served by this donation designation.

We shall miss him and the wonderful memories that Dad/Grandpa helped us create. He supported us through thick and thin, and then some. Hold close your loved ones for time marches on – that’s life.