Donald "Donnie" Edward Parker

Of Jackson, went home to be with the Lord at the age of 97 on Friday, May 24, 2024 under the care of Henry Ford Health Hospital, surrounded by family. He will be remembered by his wife of 71 years, Barbara J. “Jeannie” Parker, Daughter, Stephanie J. Kopf (John) of Grass Lake, MI, Son, Christopher D. (Brenda) Parker of Brooklyn, MI.; Grandsons, Christopher D. II (Brandy) of Cement City, MI, Marcus C. Parker of Jackson, MI.; Great Grandchildren, Ayianna, KeMyah, Aniah, Talen, DeAngelo, Nephew, Robin (Che) Parker of Battle Creek, Cousin, Garland Parker of Grand Rapids, MI, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. Donald was born on May 10, 1927, in Albion, MI to Grady Parker Sr. and Ruth Parker (Stevens), was the oldest, followed by his brothers Bobby and Grady “Sonny”. His love of music was due to his Mother Ruth’s influence. The family played in various local venues, and he played saxophone while his Mother Ruth played piano. His vocal talents were shared in a musical group called “Cantatori”. The family group sang at carnivals and fairs where they were discovered and offered a contract to take the group to a new level. He and the group quickly turned down this opportunity to provide stability and a regular household for his young family. His love of music continued as an active member of the Church choir. After graduating from High School, his first job was a pin boy at the local bowling alley. He later served in the U.S. Air Corp at the end of WWII. Donald married Barbara Jean Bowles on June 7, 1953, at Community A.M.E. Church in Jackson and together they raised their family. He earned his pilot’s license in 1970; loved planes and attended local air shows and admired the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels. Donald continued his career as a mechanic working for Crutchfield Chevrolet in Jackson, Michigan. He later worked for Consumers Power now Consumer Energy as Mechanic, Fleet garage manager, and building services manager. After early retirement from Consumers, he worked for Jacobson’s Stores Inc. as warehouse supervisor. After retiring from Jacobson’s, he worked for Temporary Technical Services as an energy surveyor consultant and was later hired by DTE performing pole and gas line inspection. The last years of his working career ended at Menards where he worked the early morning shifts stocking in lighting and various other departments. Donald made friends wherever he worked. He was very active in the Jackson community. His associations included Mr. & Mrs. Club of Jackson, Jackson Diabetes Association, Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, Jackson Cascades Lions District 11-B-1, and his proudest association was with the 4th Degree Jackson Assembly Knights of Columbus Council 9301, of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish. He served as Grand Knight for his council from 1988 to 1990. Donald’s friendly and outgoing personality attracted people who, for him, became immediate friends and extended family. He enjoyed outdoor activities such as gardening, fishing, hunting, and golf. He loved to cook, and experiment with recipes. You could always catch a glimpse of him cooking for various KofC breakfasts and dinners. His positive, upbeat attitude, his love of God and family was an example and inspiration to everyone who had the privilege to know him. We love you . . . and we will always here you say . . . “I love you more!”.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church (120 E. Wesley Street, Jackson, 49201). The family will receive friends for a Memorial Visitation at Burden & Patience Montgomery Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave. Jackson, 49202) on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 from 4:00 until 6:30 PM followed by a Chalice Presentation by the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus, and again on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 4:00 to 6:30 PM followed by a Rosary Service.