In Memory
Edward Francis Parker
October 20, 1942 ~ January 7, 2023 80 Years Old
Edward F. Parker, 80, residing in South Bend, passed away early Saturday morning, January 7, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of South Bend.
He was born October 20, 1942 in Chicago, IL; a son of the late Gus & Mary (Raia) Parker, and has lived in this area since he was five years old. He was a graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School and Indiana University of South Bend. He proudly served his country in the Construction Dept. of the Navy Seebees in Vietnam from 1967-68.
Most of his career, Ed was a self-employed businessman.
Ed was married to Shirley Bell Parker who preceded him in death in 1996. He is survived by his companion of 22 years, Renee L. Toth of South Bend, his step-son James (Megan) Bell of Osceola; three grandchildren, Samantha, Hayley, and Alana Bell; along with his sister, Janice Bendix of South Bend; and brother Richard (Nancy) Parker of Sturgis, MI. Also surviving are his nieces and nephews, Judi & John LaViolette and their daughter Emily; Dena & Joe Northern; and Kim & Jeff Pavek and their son Tanner; and Renee’s sister and family Gina & Tom Litka; and his best friend, Norm Vandermee. He was preceded in death by a niece, Julie Linstrom, and nephew, Jerry Linstrom, and great nephew. Anthony Baker.
Ed was a tremendous storyteller. He would often remanence about stories from his high school days, and would often repeat the same story with the same zest as he did the very first time he told the story. Ed played football at Riley High School, and had two very special friends Tom Walling and Jerry Polis, that he lost early in life, but never forgot them, even until his very last day. He was looking forward to being reunited with them once again.
Family and friends may visit from 3:00 – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, and one hour prior to the service on Thursday.
Services for Ed will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, at the Palmer Funeral Home-Hickey Chapel. Rev. John Eze of Queen of Peace Church, Mishawaka will officiate. Graveside services with military honors will follow at Rice Cemetery, Elkhart, IN.
Contributions in memory of Mr. Parker may be offered to Disabled Veterans c/o Vet Center, 4727 Miami St., South Bend, IN 46614. Online condolences to the family may be sent to www.palmerfuneralhomes.com
01.08.2023 djb
Frank Edward Kuzmits (1960)
Very sorry to hear about Ed's passing. I remember Ed well from high school; he was a good guy and well-liked by everyone.
Frank Kuzmits
James A Cook (1960)
RIP Eddie. Attended grade school together as well
Jim Cook
Judith Ann Satterlee (Huckins) (1960)
So many good memories of Eddie. Fondly remember having coffee many mornings with him and Jerry Polis. RIP good man. I hear you and Jerry telling your jokes and laughing. You will be missed.
Richard Douglas Voreis (1960)
Ed Parker was a buddy in high school and fortunately we reconnected on Facebood later in life. He valued his friends from Riley High School and we valued him!
Jon Dennis Sr Darrow (1961)
I knew Ed and he knew me, but we reallty didn't hang around together. Ed was always friendly and an infectious smile that will be missed. We certainly thank him for his service to his country, I'm very certain he is in a wonderful place we can't even begin tio imagine. God rest his soul.
Karol Kaye Lindenman (Carbiener) (1960)
I had a nice chat with Ed last August at the 2022 RHS banquet. We probably spoke longer that night than all four years at Riley combined. A good guy. RIP.
Dorothy Agnes Kujawski (Kingsley) (1960)
Ed and I grew up in the same neighborhood. We had a long talk at one of the reunions a few years back and remenised about the old times and being neighbors. Rest In Peace Ed and give my sister a hug for me.