Stephen J Parker

Stephen Joey Parker, of Lancaster, Ohio, age 89, died peacefully at home Thursday morning, June 29, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1934 in South Strafford, Vermont, the second of twins. He grew up in Perry, NY and graduated from Perry High School in 1952. He joined the U.S. Air Force for four years and was stationed in England. His high school sweetheart, Judith Yvonne Eaton, joined him in England and they were married at Burtonwood Air Force Base on November 22, 1954. Steve and Judy were married for nearly 47 years until her death in 2001. After serving his country he attended and graduated from Tri State College (now Trine University) in Indiana in 1960. He worked as an accountant for nearly three decades at Anchor Hocking. In 1999 he retired after working for the state of Ohio for eight years. Steve enjoyed returning to Perry for high school reunions and even gave a speech at his 70th reunion. He was a great and dedicated volunteer during and after the restoration of Rock Mill and was an active member of the Society for the Preservation Of Old Mills (SPOOM). He was a long-time member of the Archaeology Society of Ohio (ASO) and served as its president for two years. He was a charter member of the local Standing Stone chapter of the ASO. He was a member of the Sixth Avenue United Methodist Church for several decades. Among his many interests were collecting coins, Indian artifacts, antiques, and glass piggy banks. He liked rooting for the Browns, Buckeyes, and Reds. He enjoyed bowling, gardening, and family vacations, often to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth May (Simcox) Parker; sister, Margaret Gwendolyn (William) Brown; brother, Paul Irwin (Jane) Parker; twin brother, Thomas Joel Parker; and grandson, Jeffrey Nathan Parker Jr. He is survived by his children, Stephen Mark (Hope Harrison) Parker; Jeffrey Nathan (Robin) Parker Sr.; and Joelle Christine (Richard) Gardner; grandchildren, Tarah Leigh Christine (Christopher) Lylte; Seth Bryon Parker; Ryan Reece Gardner; and Grant Riley Gardner; and many nieces, nephews, and great grandchildren. Funeral services are to be held on Friday, July 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the HALTEMAN-FETT & DYER FUNERAL HOME. Friends may visit on Thursday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home, as well as ONE HOUR prior to the services on Friday. Burial is to follow at Forest Rose Cemetery, Lancaster.