He was born April 5, 1931 to John B. and Edith (Langworthy) Parker in Reeder Twp in Missaukee Country but spent most of his life as a resident and businessman of Lake City.

He was the salutatorian and class president for the Class of 1949 of Lake City High School.

He married Shirley Ann Swartz on Dec. 14, 1963 in St. Clair Shores.

Mr. Parker served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years, enjoying posts in Japan, Hawaii and on-board the USS Forestal. He was a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and University of Detroit Law School.

His activities and interests included politics and his family. Mr. Parker was an avid politician, serving both the Republican and Democratic parties. He was a past president of the Lake City Area school board and received the state award for service from the Michigan Association of School Boards.

Mr. Parker enjoyed politics of the community and school and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 300, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Masonic Lodge, Eagles, Moose and Elks.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Shirley; son, Rodney II; daughter, Jennifer (Capac) Parker-Moore; son-in-law, Dale; grandchildren, Ross, Logan and Meredith; brothers, Norman (Charlene) of Farmington Hills, John B. Jr. (Ben) of Farwell, Theron of Cadillac, Lynn (Clara) of McBain and Pat (Carol) of McBain; sisters, Glennice Harris and Vonceille Parker of Lake City; brothers-in-law, David Swartz, Bill Hendrickson of Farmington Hills and Donald Swartz of Eastpointe; parent-in-laws Virginia Swartz and Harry Norum of Palm City, Fla.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Jay, and sister, Enid.

Services are 2 p.m. Sunday at Young Funeral Home in Lake City with Worshipful Master Fred Vandric officiating. Graveside services will be provided by the American Legion Post 300. Burial will be in Lake City Cemetery.

Visitation is 7 to 9 p.m. today and 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial tributes may be made to the Rodney Edwin Parker Sr. Fund

He was born Sept. 27, 1951 in Cadillac to Joyce E. (Pierson) and John B. Parker II.

After graduating from Bath High School, Mr. Parker spent a short stint in the U.S. Army Reserved, then worked for a few years in the oilfields of Michigan. He operated a bar and restaurant in Reed Cityi in the late 1970s. He attended Mid Michigan Community College, earning an associates degree in heating, ventilation and air conditioning. He spent the next few years working in the Research and Development Division of the Lennox Corporation in Dallas, Texas. During the past 20 years, he had been a licensed builder and engaged in various phases of the construction trades and landscaping in the South Lyon and Ann Arbor area.

Survivors include his father, John B. Parker II of Farwell; sister, Lisa (Robert Jr.) Jenkins; brothers, Brian Parker of Farwell and Craig (Kimberly) Parker of Portland; materanl grandmother, Thelma Segerstrom of Cadillac; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce E. (Pierson) Parker; former wife, Janet Parker; stepson, John Lee Routley; and an infant brother, John B. Parker III.

Services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Lake City Presbyterian Church on Houghton Street, between John Street and Prospect Street, with the Rev. Todd Lafond of Portland officiating. Burial will be in Lake City Cemetery West. Visitation is 3 to 7 p.m. today at the Young Funeral Home, 403 S. Pine St., Lake City