Richard E. "Dick" Parker, age 82 and a lifelong resident of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his family after a brief battle with cancer.  He was born February 27, 1937 in Elwood, the son of James and Ruby (Billheimer) Parker.  He was a 1957 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army.  He served during the Cuban Missile Crisis era and was a well-respected cook for both soldiers and officers.  Dick married the love of his life, Judith Ann Lamb, on September 19, 1964 and they shared over 54 years of marriage together.  He worked for Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo in the clutch / off-line department and retired in 1998 after 33 years of service.  Dick also worked as a meat cutter at Martz's Grocery in Elwood for many years.  He was a member of East Main Street Christian Church; the Elwood Airport Restaurant "Coffee Group"; the Elwood Conservation Club where he cooked for several functions; and the United Auto Workers Union #685 in Kokomo.  Dick enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning vegetables, fishing, and formerly rabbit hunting.  He also loved motorcycles, helping with BMX race functions while several family members raced; and formerly raced dirt track motocross in his younger days.  Dick took a lot of pride in his 1969 Dodge Charger that he has owned since new.  More than anything, Dick will be remembered as a hard working husband, father, and grandfather who was an outstanding provider for his family.

Dick's family includes his wife of 54 years, Judith Ann Parker of Elwood; 2 children, Terra Trittipo of Logansport and Shane Parker (fiance Teresa Whitt) both of Elwood; sister, Joan (husband Robert) Sorg of Arkansas; 9 grandchildren, Ryan Moon, Amber Hagerman-Bryant, Tiffany Ramsey-Idlewine, Jessica Ramsey-Burnell, Zackary Parker, Ariel Parker, Abigail Parker, Joshua Heinlein, and Tiffany Hester; 13 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents and 3 siblings, James Parker, Christina Winkle, and Robert Parker.

A funeral service celebrating Richard's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Monday, August 5, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev. Ken Horning and Rev. Matt Mehlhoff both of the First Nazarene Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 3:00 to 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Cancer Society through the funeral home.  Online condolences and memories may be shared at copherfeslermay.com.