Fred Parker

Frederic Willard “Fred” Parker, age 101, of Mt. Sterling, Illinois passed away at 9:30 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Heritage Health, Therapy and Senior Care in Mt. Sterling.

He was born October 15, 1915 in Howard County, Missouri the son of Clarence Edward and Bertha Maude Osborne Parker.  He married Wretha Sipes Cowick on August 6, 1983 at the Mt. Sterling First Christian Church, and she survives.

Mr. Parker worked as a truck driver for both Associated Transport in St. Louis and Dealers Transport in Chicago for several years and had the distinction of driving through 49 states.

Fred attended Harper Grade School in Brown County and graduated from Hersman High School with the class of 1932.

Mr. Parker was a veteran of World War II having served his country in the United States Army.  Fred was also a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Green Bay, Wisconsin, prior to his service in World War II.

He always enjoyed gardening, fishing, trapping, hunting and watching sports.  Fred   was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers fan, but his greatest joy was solving the world’s problems with his many friends at the local coffee shop.  

Survivors include 7 children Diana Weyhenmeyer (Chuck) of Springfield, Illinois, Janet Tatum (Ron) of Camp Point, Jerry Cowick of Mt. Sterling, Peggy Trone (Roger) of Rushville, Larry Cowick (Janet) of Meredosia, Terry Cowick of Mt. Sterling and Karen DeMoss (Gary) of Clayton.  19 grandchildren and several great and great great grandchildren also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother Victor Parker, 1 daughter Joy Lynn Cowick and 2 grandchildren Brian Lee Cooley and Kyle Evan DeMoss.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Aaron Foster officiating.

Burial will be in the Mt. Sterling City Cemetery.  A military service will be conducted at the graveside by the Mt. Sterling American Legion Post #374.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday in the funeral home.  Friends may also call from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services on Saturday with the family meeting friends one hour prior to services on Saturday.

Memorials are suggested to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703, www.landoflincolnhonorflight.org.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.