Ronald M. Parker, 81, of Libby

Ronald Marcus Parker, 81, of Libby passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 16, 2013, at the Libby Care Center from Parkinson’s disease.

Ron was born Jan. 26, 1932, in Kalispell to William and Josephine (Snow) Parker. He graduated from high school in Gildford in 1950.

He served as a parachutist in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1954. He was a POW-MIA in the Korean War and was awarded numerous medals including two Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart.  He spent the next 20 years farming, operating grain elevators, working for Boeing, and owning his own businesses.

He moved to Libby with Bertha Anderson and son Brian in 1978, where he worked doing tile, carpet- laying and roofing. He was involved with David Thompson Search and Rescue, and was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Josephine; sisters, JoAnne, Jan Lee and Jean; brothers, William, George and John Timothy; and very special friends, Bertha Anderson and Maxine Slater, both of Libby.

He is survived by step-son and daughter-in-law, Brian (Paige) Anderson of Cheney, Wash.; grandchildren, Brendan Hunter of  Lolo, Cayce Anderson and Devan Anderson of Cheney, Wash.; great-grandson, Carter James Anderson; brothers, Dennis and Mike; sister, Judy; other children, Greg, Denise, Larry, Della, Jennifer, Becky and Kimberly; and numerous other grandchildren.

He was an American hero and a beloved brother, father, and grandfather. He will truly be missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service with military honors will be held 10 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2013, at the Libby Assembly of God church, 105 Collins Ave., Libby. Interment will be at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort William H. Harrison in Helena.  

Local arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home & Crematory.