LTC (R) Robert D. Parker, 86, formerly of the Highland/Hiawatha area, died Friday evening, January 22, 2016, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka.
Bob was born December 5, 1929, at Sparks in Doniphan County, Kansas, one of two children born to the late James Henry and Mintie Ruth Monroe Parker.  He grew up in the Sparks/Highland area, attended Highland schools, graduating with the class of 1947.  Bob entered the service very soon out of school, August 20, 1948.  This time period meant he served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, before being discharged at the rank of Lt. Colonel, August 13, 1984, after nearly 38 years of service to his country.  His military career included serving in the Navy, National Guard, Army, and Air Force.  Bob, while on the GI bill, worked hard to earn a master’s degree in counseling psychology.  Bob was a longtime member of the Hiawatha business community and interested in the community.  He worked for several years for Brown Electric until it closed, then owned and operated the Maple Leaf Restaurant for many years.  While in business here, he was a city commissioner, and served on the Hiawatha Airport Board.
Mr. Parker was a lifetime member of VFW Post #7285 of Sabetha; Reserve Officers Association; American Legion Post #90, Algona, Iowa; and former member of BPOE #1741, Hiawatha Elks Lodge.
He married Patricia Kramer Nuehring, August 30, 1985, at Mt. Ayr, Iowa.  They lived in Bellevue, Nebraska and Lake of the Ozarks, for several years before moving to Algona, Iowa in recent years.  She survives of the home.
Also surviving are a daughter Connie Simmons Parker (Dr. Kevin Gottlieb) of Arlington, VA; a son James Parker (Patty) of Spencer, Iowa; step-son Mark Nuehring (Margaret) of Rochester, MN; a sister Deloris Ripple (Dr. Harold) of Hiawatha, KS; brother in law Gary Kramer of Algon, Iowa; niece Debra Wright, nephew Steve Hathhorn (Marla).  Also surviving are 6 grandchildren:   Becca Black, Robert Parker, Shaune Parker, Alex Nuehring, Julia Nuehring, and Ryan Nuehring; and 6 great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; the mother of his children Bonnie Caudle Parker; brother in law Robert Hathhorn; and step-grandson Christopher Nuehring.
A celebration of Bob’s life is planned for 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha.  Reverend Carolyn Winters-Hazelton will officiate.  Military honors will be a courtesy of the Brown County Veterans Honor Guard. Services and burial will take place later in the week at Algona, Iowa.
Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 10 a.m. Tuesday where the family will meet from 5 until 6:30 that evening.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Salvation Army or Homer White Post #66, Hiawatha American Legion, sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.  A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com