Bobby Eugene Parker, Sr., age 89, of Arkoma, Oklahoma passed from this life to his heavenly home on September 11, 2020. With his family near, he left behind the pain and sickness of this world and entered the presence of his Savior. Bobby was born March 5, 1931 to Elmer and Ella Parker, the oldest son of four children and was a lifelong resident of Arkoma.
Bobby served our country during the Korean war as a dental technician in San Antonio, TX. The love of his life, his bride and wife of 64 years, Patsy McCrady was the younger sister of his best friend from High School, Frank McCrady. They married soon after he returned to Arkoma from service.
His first career, post war, was as a dental technician for Homer Dixon's dental lab in Ft. Smith, AR. He was a key member of the team there and enjoyed literally making smiles for over 37 years. After retirement from the dental industry, he spent a short time at Whirlpool and finally settled into his most loved role as Bob the Builder (and bus driver) for Arkoma Public Schools. Bob was a key ingredient to keeping Singleton Elementary humming for over 20 years.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy; his daughters, Polly Vincent and husband Steve, and Robbie Reynolds and husband Larry, and his son Bobby Parker, Jr. and wife Kim; his grandchildren, Elijah Parker and wife Kelley, Hannah Parker, Hope Johnson and husband Jess, Jacob Parker and fiancé, Britni, Luke Reynolds, Lydia Reynolds, Jason Vincent, Michelle Vincent, Sarah Parker; his great-grandchildren, Austin Vincent, Cheyanne Marshall, David Vincent, Everett Parker, J.J. Vincent, Kylah, Johnson, Tucker Marshall; sister Katherine Benge; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Ella Faye Irvin and brother Elmer Lee Parker.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at 11:30 AM at Arkoma First Baptist Church with former Pastor Rick Kester officiating. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Ft. Smith, AR. The family will greet friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Monday, September 14, 2020 at Edwards Funeral Home in Ft. Smith, AR. At both the service and the funeral home, masks and social distancing are encouraged. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkoma First Baptist Church, P.O. 1004, Arkoma, OK 74901 or call 918-875-3152.
