Obituary of Raymond Parker

Raymond "Ray" Parker Jr., 83, of Niles, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 29, 2010 with his family by his side. Ray was born on February 7, 1927 to the late Raymond Sr. and Viola (Westphal) Parker in Niles, Michigan. Ray was one of six children growing up in the Parker household. Ray graduated from Niles High School and proudly served in the United States Army. He retired from the Railroad in 1988 after more than 46 years. On May 20, 1967 Ray married Marilyn Yazell and together they raised 3 children. To say that Ray loved softball is an understatement; he played for M.A.S.A. Fast Pitch Softball for 65 years, 28 of those he served as an umpire. He was inducted into the MASA Softball Hall of Fame and has a seat named in his honor at the Oklahoma Stadium in right field. Ray was also very proud of his achievements as a Mason; he was a member of the Pokagon Blue Lodge and the Niles Blue Lodge. He served in the Royal Arch Masons, Order of Melchische, Order of Select Master, Order of Silver Trowel, Royal and Select Masters for 30 years, Past Commander for the Knights Templar, Recorder for the Niles Commandry and The Secretary for the York Rite College, both for 31 years, a Shriner for 30 years, Prior in 1994 and Priory for 30 years, Order of the Purple Cross, Holy Royal Arch Masons, Chairman Nominating Committee for 15 years, K. C. 13 years, Pokagon Lodge Treasurer for 7 years, Mason of the Year in 2007 and District Mason of the Year in 2008. Ray was an avid Notre Dame fan, but more than that he loved his Chicago Cubs and that is where his heart will always be. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Parker and Ralph Parker. Ray is survived by his wife of 43 years, Marilyn, children Ralph "Tyke" Bimm of St. Paul, Minnesota, Sydney (Doug) Liggett of Niles, Beverly (Jason) Savelli of Folsom, California, grandchildren Megan (Ryan) Wagner, Michael Money and Jack Savelli, siblings Patricia Webb of Niles, Charlotte (Paul) Beale of Illinois, Richard (Gloria) Parker of Arizona, and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Ray's life will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at the Masonic Lodge, located at 227 ½ East Main Street (use Third Street Entrance) in Niles at 2 O'clock in the afternoon. Time to visit with the family before the service will begin at 1 O'clock on Wednesday before the service. Memorial donations in Ray's memory can be made to the Shriner's Hospital.