John M. Parker, 88, a resident of the Concrete community, passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.
John was born on March 24, 1924 in Beaumont, Texas where he was raised and attended school.
In 1941 at the age of 17 John enlisted into the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country for nearly 13 years during WW II and the Korean Conflict.
While stationed in Seattle for ship maintenance, John met Joyce House, and after a very brief courtship they were married on January 21, 1946, a union that lasted for 50 years until her death in 1996. After his discharge in 1953 they made their home in the Ballard area of Seattle and John worked as a heavy equipment mechanic on the docks for over 35 years. In 1989 they moved to Skagit County.
John enjoyed assembling model airplanes and watching sports, mostly enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He is survived by his 2 sons, Darrell, and his wife, Julie of Mount Vernon and Dale, and his daughter, Sheila Daves and her husband, Gene of Mount Vernon. 6 grandchildren, Dan Shaffer, Douglas Shaffer, Ron Parker, Darrin Laurin, Shelly Early and Stephanie Mentis; 11 great-grandchildren and several brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sharon Cabana.
Private family services will be held on his birthday in March. Memorials are suggested to the Helping Hands Food Bank. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley
my father was a good family man i loved him and going to miss him see you on the other side dad love your son dale