Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel, Inc.
410 Sixth Street
Red Oak, Iowa 51566

Gail Parker
November 15, 1921 - June 30, 2017
Birthplace: Rural Silver City, IA

Resided In: Atlantic formerly Red Oak and Villisca

Visitation 7/5/2017
Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel

Service 7/6/2017
Villisca Presbyterian Church

Burial 7/6/2017
Evergreen Cemetery

Gail F. "Bud" Parker, age 95, of Red Oak, Iowa formerly Villisca, Iowa, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on June 30, 2017 at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa. He was born November 15, 1921 near Silver City, Iowa the son of Charles and Artelia (Martin) Parker. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII in the European theater and was awarded a Bronze Star with Valor for his heroism in the Battle of the Bulge, two Purple Hearts, and other awards. Bud was united in marriage to Mildred McKee on July 6, 1947 at the Emerson, Iowa Baptist Church. He and Mildred farmed west of Griswold for 10 years before moving to rural Villisca in 1957 where they farmed until 1987 when they moved to Red Oak. In addition to farming, he raised quarter horses his entire life and taught many to enjoy riding, caring for, and competing with their horses. Bud was a 4-H leader for over 20 years and helped start the program for raising and exhibiting horses for Montgomery County 4-Hers. He was a member of the Wagon Wheel Saddle Club and the Villisca Presbyterian Church for 60 years. Mildred preceded Bud in death in 2000. He later married Laura Harrill who also preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his sisters and their spouses: Florence and Mike Wilhelm and Pauline and Pete Clausen. Survivors include his children: Ross Parker (Jo) of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Julia Anderson of Atlantic, IA; Mark Parker (Teresa) of Parsons, KS; and James Parker of Omaha, NE; grandchildren: Jeff Anderson (Tarah) of Atlantic, IA; Jacob Anderson (Stephanie) of Eskisehir, Turkey; Joshua Anderson (Taryn) of Montezuma, IA; Sarah Parker and Alex Parker of Grosse Pointe Farms, MI; Matt Knox (Katie) and Caleb Parker (Dayane) of Kansas City, MO; and Katy Parker of Parson, KS; great grandchildren: Madelyn and Colton Anderson of Atlantic, IA; Luke and Abigail Anderson of Eskisehir, Turkey; Ava, Knox, Tenley, and Krew Anderson of Montezuma, IA; Taylor, Tanner, Lane, and Madelyn Knox of Kansas City, MO; and Shiloh Herold of Parson, KS; brother: Wayne Parker of Council Bluffs, IA; step-children: Monte Isaacson (Joyce) and Martha Isaacson of Carson, IA and Linda McDaniel (Gary) of Phoenix, AZ; 6 step-grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and hundreds of friends.

Funeral services will be held 1 PM Thursday, July 6, 2017 at the Villisca Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Red Oak. Visitation with the family will be held from 6-8 PM Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at the Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Warm Hearts Foundation of Grand Rapids, Michigan or the Villisca Presbyterian Church.