Gary Parker

Gary Thomas Parker 65, of Marion, IL formerly of Providence, KY, born on February 10, 1951 to Hubert and Ruth (Carver) Parker, passed away at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL on Saturday August 6, 2016. He was a US Army Veteran having served during the Vietnam War, where he received a Bronze Star for his Meritorious achievement. He attended the Fountain United Methodist Church in Marion, IL where Pastor Bob Shook ministers. He was preceded in death by his father, to whom many said he bore a strong resemblance, his mother, an infant son Garrett Thomas, his beautiful daughter Chellie Ann and his beloved wife CB (Teague). Gary and CB had a strong love for horses and spent many years training and showing Racking horses, winning many blue ribbons. After her passing, Gary was fortunate in finding new and continued happiness with his current wife Shelly, who also shared his love for horses. Gary continued to show horses winning many blue ribbons in his own right. The love Gary had for his horses was a force that kept him going long after his body started succumbing to the effects of Agent Orange.

Gary had a wonderful smile and a loving heart which will live on forever in the hearts of his wife Shelly, stepsons David and Curtis, 3 sisters Carolyn (Jim) Townsend, Faye (Mel) Mier, and Gloria Hanlon; 2 brothers Larry (Trudy) Parker and John Mark Parker; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 10AM on Tuesday August 9, 2016 at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon, KY. Rev. Danny Nelson will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Providence, KY. Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Monday and from 8am until service time at the funeral home. Military rites will be performed graveside by Hopkins County Honor Guard. Online condolence can be made at www.townsendfuneralhomeinc.com