Samuel G. "Sam" Parker, age 74 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 28, 2017 at his residence following a brief illness and diagnosis of cancer.  He was born on August 6, 1942 in Elwood, the son of Thurman Willis and Dorothy L. (Litsey) Parker.  He was a 1960 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School, and later served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1964 and was stationed in the Pacific.  Sam owned and operated Sam's Wonder Bar and Village Café in Elwood for over 30 years and retired in 2009 when his business property was sold.  He also formerly worked at Guide Lamp Corporation in Anderson for 10 years and owned and managed numerous rental properties around Elwood.  Sam attended the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood.  He was a member of the Elwood Elks Lodge#368, the Elwood V.F.W. #5782, the former Elwood Eagles Lodge, and the Elwood American Legion.  He enjoyed traveling for many years and had taken several memorable trips in the U.S. and overseas.  Sam was an avid sports fan and enjoyed open wheel racing, watching baseball, and formerly bowled in the Elks League.  He was a member of the Hoosier Auto Racing Fan Club.  Sam especially enjoyed mowing and caring for his property and was frequently seen on his mower by people passing his home.  More than anything, Sam will be remembered for being a man who loved his family and lived life to the fullest.

Sam's family includes 2 sons, Brian A. Parker of Elwood and Brent A. Parker of Tempe, Arizona; sister, Connie (husband Robert) Barcinski of Delray Beach, Florida; grandson, Karson Parker of Elwood; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.  Sam was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sisters, Carolyn Marie Parker, and Marilyn Blair; and former spouse, Rosi Ann (Frye) Parker.

A funeral service celebrating Sam's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Friday, August 4, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Pastor Rodney Ellis of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood officiating.  Entombment will follow in the Elwood City Cemetery Mausoleum.  Military honors will be conducted at the Mausoleum by the U.S. Navy and the Elwood V.F.W. honor guard team.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2:00 to 8:00 pm on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home.  Memorial contributions are suggested to "Hemophilia of Indiana" through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.