Thomas R. Parker

Thomas R. “Tom” Parker was born on Jan. 19, 1948 in Libby to parents, Robert and Marguerite Day Parker. He died on March 4, 2008 at his home in Hermiston, Ore. at the age of 60 years.

Tom was raised and attended schools in Libby, graduating in 1966 from Libby High School where he played football. He then attended Concordia College in Portland, Ore. study for the teaching ministry.

Tom was united in marriage to Linda K. Wimmer on Aug. 10, 1968 in Pendleton, Ore. He then attended Concordia Teachers College in Seward, Neb. where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in education. Tom taught school for 4 years in Nebraska before returning to Libby where he worked as the head custodian at the junior high school.

They moved to Irrigon, Ore. in 1985 where he taught school at the New Life Christian School and later worked at Kegler's Market in Boardman, Ore. They moved to Hermiston, Ore. in 1996. He worked as a custodian at Armand Larvie and the Oxford Suites. Tom went to work at the Wal-Mart Store in 2000. He started in the produce department and later worked in the camera department before switching to a greeter where he was currently working and really enjoyed the people.

He was a member of the Hermiston Christian Center in Hermiston. Tom loved to teach, grow in knowledge and share with others. He enjoyed football, snowmen, building paper and wooden airplanes and flying kites. Tom was a surrogate “grandpa” to many.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years Linda Parker of Hermiston; son Fred Parker of Hermiston; daughters Melissa King of Oceanside, Calif., Jessica Thurman of Hermiston, Megan Zazueta of Yuma, Ariz.; sisters Cheryl LaBrie of Malta, Mont., Marie Leonard of South St. Paul, Minn.; and nine grandchildren: Emily, Tucker, Zeb, Thaya, Maximo, Nate, Ben, Scarlett and Trixie.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lee Anderson.

A graveside service was held on Saturday, March 8, 2008 at the Hermiston Cemetery in Hermiston, Ore.

A celebration of life service was held at the Hermiston Christian Center on Saturday, March 8, 2008 in Hermiston.

Those who wish may make contributions in Tom's memory to the American Diabetes Assoc. at 380 SE Spokane # 110, Portland, OR 97202.

Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Ore. is in care of arrangements.