Gary James Parker

Gary James Parker, 78, of Robinson, IL, died at 8:30 p.m. (EST) on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. He was born December 17, 1940 in Flat Rock, IL, the son of Henry Donavon Parker & Valerie Maxine (Weger) Parker-Laffoon, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Jack Laffoon in 2004 and Bob in 2018. He married Janice Charlene Starks on September 12, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Mike & Angie Parker (Robinson, IL) and Rodney & Jodi Parker (Robinson, IL); by his grandchildren, Mike & Hannah Parker (Lakeville, MN), Justin & Katie Parker (Annapolis, IL), Amber Parker (Robinson, IL), and Cody Parker (Robinson, IL); by his great-grandchildren, Owen, Brody, Piper, Addie, Lily, Dezi, and Luke; by his sister-in-law, Nancy Laffoon; as well as several nieces and nephews. Gary was a very hard-working man and was never content to let dust settle: he was always doing something. Early in life, he worked as a grave digger and service station attendant. He would go on to work at the Shoe Factory, L.S. Heath & Sons, and Birdwell, before getting on with Marathon in 1969. Here, he worked for 25 years before retiring in 1994 as a Chief Operator. Following his retirement, much of his time was spent mowing, having had over 25 lawns he tended to. When he wasn’t outdoors, he could often be found designing and building train displays at home and was a lover of all things Lionel Train! But what’s more, he loved his family with a passion. Few things brought him more joy than simply spending time with those he cared for most in this world. Gary was a member of Highland Ave. Baptist Church, where he served the Lord through the church. His faith in Jesus Christ was evident in his actions and his talk. One of his favorite Bible verses was James 1:22 "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves". He lived his Christian life in this way, by being a doer but also by being a teller. He truly loved the Lord and was eager to share his faith with anyone who would listen. Gary was witnessing even at the end of his life, telling family and friends that Salvation in Jesus was real and essential. We who are left here have peace in knowing that today, Gary’s faith has been made sight and that he is home with his Lord and Savior. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 23rd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 24th at the funeral home with Pastor Dwight McDaniel officiating. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery, rural Flat Rock. Memorials may be made to the “Highland Avenue Baptist Church”, with envelopes available at the funeral home.