Thurman W. Parker, age 95 of Elwood, died Monday December 31, 2012 at Alexandria Care Center in Alexandria after an extended illness. He was born April 20, 1917 in Valley Grove in rural Madison County, the son of George and Elizabeth (Hoppes) Parker. Thurman retired from Nicholson File Corporation in Anderson in 1978 where he had worked in the heat treatment department for more than 38 years. He married Dorothy L. Litsey on December 24, 1939. Thurman was a devoted member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood where he served as a Scout Master for more than 12 years. He was also a longtime member of the Elwood Elks Lodge #368, and was band parent president for 3 years for the Elwood High School. He and Dot had traveled all over the world together, and especially enjoyed spending their winters in Okeechobee, Florida. They were both formerly active in square dancing and attended functions throughout Indiana. Thurman was well-known for be the chauffer for Dot and all her friends for many years.

Thurman's family includes a son, Sam G. Parker of Elwood; a daughter, Connie (husband Robert) Barcinski of Delray Beach, FL; 3 sisters, Vivian Miller of Plainfield, Barbara Williams of Sparta, TN, and Delores Swinford of Anderson; 9 grandchildren, Kathleen, Erin, Brian, Brent, Darlene, Geanie, Harold, Terry and Tim; 18 great-grandchildren; and 32 great-great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of nearly 73 years, Dorothy L. "Dot" Parker, who died December 22, 2012; 2 daughters, Carolyn Marie Parker and Marilyn Blair; brother, Henry Parker; 2 sisters, Mildred Hogsett and Hester Gardner; and 2 granddaughters, Larrie and Linda.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral home in Elwood with Rev. Josh Carney of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Elwood officiating. Burial will follow in Aroma Cemetery in Atlanta. Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 PM Thursday, January 3, 2013 at the funeral home. The Elwood Elks Lodge will conduct a memorial service at 6:00 PM on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Missionary Baptist Church through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the Parker family at: www.copherfeslermay.com.