James Richard Parker

James Richard Parker, 79, passed away Friday, November 8 at his home in Wood River while surrounded by his family following an illness of three months.

He was born to the late William E. Parker, Sr., and Elizabeth 'Dolly' Selph (nee, Burcham) in Alton.

Richard was a 1963 graduate of Alton High School. He served in the U.S. Army, first in Germany, and then in Viet Nam as a member of the 121st Signal Corp of the First Infantry Division, the 'Big Red One'. A retired electrician, he worked out of IBEW Local Union 649.
Richard was known for his rich, serpentine stories and fun antics. He had a lightning-quick wit that remained with him, even through his final illness, which helped to lift the spirits of his care-givers, his sisters, Joan, Theresa and Liz, as well as his visitors, through the saddest of times. Throughout his life, he enjoyed exploring nature, especially in the remote locales where he fished and hunted.

Richard is survived by three sisters, Joan (Keith) Haasis of Phoenix, Arizona; Theresa (Marshall) Smith of Port St. Lucie, Florida; and Elizabeth (Tim Hinrichs) Parker of Godfrey; as well as nieces and nephews, Brian (Richelle) Parker of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; Peter (Peggy) Parker of Glendale, Missouri; Brigit Holt of Alton; Meredith (Eric) Benson and Brianna LaBrot (Jason) Taylor, all of Beaverton, Oregon; Jolie (Maj. Greg Johnston) LaBrot of Montgomery, Alabama; Marshall Smith III of Port St. Lucie; and Matthew Smith of Medford, Oregon. He also leaves several great nieces and nephews, Drake, Jackson, Luisa and Emma Parker, Elizabeth Krueger, Charles Holt, Heidi Benson, Rivers and Tegan Johnston, Blake and Calla Taylor, Marshall Smith IV; and one great-great niece, Nohealani Krueger; a brother-in-law, Thomas LaBrot and a sister-in-law, Rita Parker; as well as a number of cousins and numerous friends.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his brother, William E. Parker, Jr., and his sister, Jane Parker LaBrot.

A reception and celebration of Richard's life will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. Sunday, November 17 at Rolling Hills Golf Course in Godfrey.

Marks Mortuary is in charge of cremation.

Private burial ceremonies will be held on a future date.

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