Robert James Parker

Robert James “Bob” Parker, 89, a well-known lifelong Chicora resident and a highly respected  long time Chicora businessman passed away peacefully Saturday afternoon March 31, 2018 at the VNA Inpatient Hospice in Butler with his loving wife and family at his side. 

Robert was born in Chicora May 4, 1928 to Harry Orville and Lela Cathern Corbett Parker. 

He married Virginia Lois “Ginia” Holben on May 14, 1948, his high school sweetheart.  She survives him at their home in Chicora.  Robert graduated Chicora High School in 1946.  

He was the beloved and cherished father of six children, Kathleen Joan Michael and her husband, Dennis, of Beaver Falls, Cheryl Ruth Edwards and her husband, Thomas, of Chicora, Deborah Ann Reep of Stafford, VA, Beverly Diane Waltman and her husband, Frank, of Chicora, David Robert Parker and his wife, Connie, of Chicora and Nancy Kay Parker and her husband, Anthony, of Boulder, CO.

Robert’s pride and joy, were his 15 grandchildren and their spouses: Jeffrey and Kathy Michael, Bradley and Holly Michael, Shawn and Jen Michael, Eric Michael, Melinda and Eric Cunningham, Rachelle and Justin Cote’, Megan and Warren Raishart, Benjamin Reep, Daniel and Jill Reep, Rebecca and Jon-Curtis Graney, Erin and Larry Kelmerit, Kristin Waltman, Ryan and Tabbi Waltman, Brian and Tina Parker, Angela and Tommy Marshall. His grandchildren frequently brought a smile to his face as he spent many years taking them for Bronco and tractor rides, as well as playing the piano and organ with them, entertaining and supporting them. He also looked forward to the many visits from his 24 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and sisters-in-law.

Robert went into his father’s business with his brothers and opened Parker’s Appliances in 1948, now owned and operated by his son David and his grandson Brian.

Robert loved hanging out on the back porch with Ginia and visits from family and friends. He also enjoyed organizing his family’s history and photos. In earlier years, Bob enjoyed trips to his camps in Clarion and Hermit Springs, mowing the grass and snowmobiling.  He was a man of few words but when he spoke he frequently did so with humor, wit, and his trademark memorable grin.

Robert highly valued his church and community and was a member of the Holy Trinity Church in Chicora since childhood. He also served on the church council for many years.  He was a member of Chicora Borough Council, Hemphill Cemetery Board of Directors, and a board member of Ridgeview Golf Club, and he and his wife volunteered for Meals on Wheels.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by three brothers, William John, Harry Earl “Hap”, and Leland Meade Parker, as well as a number of brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Friends will be received at the Hile Funeral Home of Chicora, 339 Chicora Fenelton Rd., Chicora, from 1 – 4 and 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 – 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Rd., Chicora, where a funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower, church pastor, officiating.  Interment will follow at Hemphill Cemetery, Chicora.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Chicora Volunteer Fire Dept., PO Box F, Chicora, PA 16025, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2217 Chicora Rd., Chicora, PA 16025, or the American Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.org.  For additional information or to send a condolence, please visit www.hilefh.com.

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