Edward Ray Parker

Edward Ray Parker, age 87, passed on April 5, 2022.

He grew up in Mississippi County Missouri, in the middle of nowhere specific, though as near to Wyatt, MO as anywhere.  Ed was the eldest son born to Rev. Walter Freeman (a sharecropper and preacher) and Margaret Ann Hayden Parker (a wonderful homemaker) on February 3, 1935.  Ed married Loretta Sue Below on January 9, 1955, and they moved to St. Louis in 1960 to provide for their family and follow opportunities for Ed to make his mark in the business world.    He worked in developing sales and personal relationships for nearly 50 years, starting his career with Blankenship and Wolgast Supply prior to establishing Parker and JAMS Distributing.  Ed remained active in his local Baptist Church (Hanley Hills and Florissant Valley) as well as serving on the Board of the Missouri Baptist College, Cystic FIbrosis Board, and St. Louis Metro Baptist Association.

Ed loved to fish and would take his three girls on an occasional fishing trip.  He always said those trips cost him a fortune in lost hooks, bobbers, and weights but he always said that with a smile.  Taking his family to a Cardinal game or a Blues game was also a highlight for him.  He would tell stories about all the times we went and how we enjoyed that time together.

He is survived by his sister Margie Hubbard, 4 children: E. Stephen Parker Montevallo, Al, Susan (Bruce) Hey Bardstown, KY, Sharon (Mark) Parker-Young Maryland Heights MO, and Jill (Ryan) Hodges Hazelwood, MO.  Grandchildren: Zac Parker, Hannah Parker, Alex (Elizabeth) Hey of Bardstown, KY, Kaitlin (Anthony) Westendorf of Cynthiana, IN, Megan (boyfriend Justin) McDonald of Wentzville, MO, Matthew (Jenna) Hodges of St Charles, MO, Michael (Melissa) Hodges of Kansas City, MO, and Marc (fiancé Ella Thomas) Hodges of Cullman, AL. Great Grandchildren: Aubrey and Makenzie Hey of Bardstown, KY, Charlie, Colby, and Mozzie Westendorf of Cynthiana, KY, Kipp Hodges of Kansas City, MO, Warren Hodges of St. Charles, MO, and two more arriving soon! Also, a number of Parker cousins.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Loretta, brother Jackie and sister Sylvia.

A memorial service will be held at Florissant Valley Baptist Church in Florissant Missouri on Friday, April 8, 2022, at 5:00 p .m. with visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Visitation and Funeral Service will take place at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston, Missouri on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at 12 p.m.  Graveside services will follow at the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston, Missouri. 

Memorial donations can be sent to TEAM Food Pantry in Florissant, MO or the Kenny Rodgers Children’s Center in Sikeston, MO.

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