Joe Allan Parker, age 73, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, May 22, 2009 at his home in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

He was born August 27, 1935 in Birdsview, Washington to Ernest and Freda Goode Parker. Joe grew up in Sedro-Woolley and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in 1953. He then attended Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon and graduated with an Associates of Arts Degree.

Joe was married to LaVonne Reim on June 10, 1953 in Stanwood and they would have celebrated 56 years together this June.

Joe worked at Skagit Steel for many years where he trained for and began his career as Safety Inspector. After the plants closure he worked for Washington State Labor and Industries until his retirement in August of 2000.

He was an avid fly fisherman and took pleasure in sharing the love of this sport with his grandchildren and son-in-laws. He and his wife greatly enjoyed traveling and in addition took many trips to Hawaii. For several years he found relaxation in working with stain glass and many of his pieces can be found in the homes of friends and family. He could be found everyday working crossword puzzles, but the greatest memory the family has is his love of cooking and barbequing for family and friends.

Joe was involved with his community and volunteered his time for causes such as the Food Bank in Sedro-Woolley and Hamilton, the Open Door Kitchen at Central United Methodist Church, and helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity. After Hurricane Katrina, Joe traveled to New Orleans twice and spent more than a month there each time working to help with repairs and rebuilding.

Last summer he worked in Glennallen, AK volunteering with Send International, at a Christian Bible School and Camp. Always generous and compassionate, he gave to many in need and over the course of his lifetime to many charities.

Joe is survived by his wife, LaVonne Parker of Sedro-Woolley. His children, Vickie Childers and her husband Tom, Julia Johnson and her husband Eric, Kellie Sanchez and Joe’s future son-in-law Len Kerr of Bellingham, and Richard Parker and his wife Amy, all of Sedro-Woolley. He will be greatly missed by his eight grandchildren, Thomas, Donald who is serving in Iraq, Anndria, Andrew, Amber, Benjamin, Tessa, and Ashley; his sister, Roberta Lane and her husband Tom of Anacortes, his brother Bud Parker and his wife Nancy of Concrete and numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by three kitties which he adored.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 30, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Walt Rice officiating. Memorials are suggested to Bethlehem Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association, 4414 Woodland Park Ave N. Seattle, WA 98103.
Arrangements and Services under the care of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.