John G. Parker

John G. Parker, 80, Washington, passed away at home in the company of his family Saturday, August 9, 2025. John Gerald Parker was born February 2, 1945, in Sullivan, to Claude and Violet (Mercer) Parker. John grew up in Sullivan, where he learned the value of hard work and keeping your word. Those lessons carried him through life.

On October 15, 1966, he married his sweetheart, Darlene Madison. For nearly 59 years, they built a life together?-- raising three children, Doug, Shelley, and Christopher ?Buck,? in Bourbon, Missouri. John worked the land, cared for cattle and horses, kept a garden worth bragging about, and, with Darlene, ran DalCourt Kennels.

John was a proud union carpenter, putting in years with McBride and Sons before starting his own company, J. Parker and Associates. He built houses and businesses that still stand today, known for their solid work and honest craftsmanship.

He had a deep love for the outdoors ? fishing, deer hunting, golfing, and especially coon hunting. Over the years, he brought home more trophies than he could count, including the Grand National Coon Hunter's Award. When he moved to Washington, it was to be closer to his grandkids, and he became their biggest fan, showing up at nearly every game or event.

One of his favorite memories was a trip to Florida with Darlene and grandson Dallas. It was his first time flying and his first sight of the ocean ? he talked about that trip for years. At home, John liked to unwind with WWE or a good western, with Lonesome Dove and Dances with Wolves at the top of his list.

John was a straight shooter, a hard worker, and a family man to the core. He left his mark in the work of his hands, the woods and waters he loved, and the people who were lucky enough to know him.

John is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Darlene Parker of Washington; two children, Shelley Meyer and husband Doug, and Christopher ?Buck?? Parker, all of Washington; five grandchildren, Dallas Pennock and Kathryn, New Haven, Courtland Pennock and wife Alyson, Washington, Emmett Parker and wife Kelsie, Union, Bryce Meyer, Washington, and Allison Meyer, Washington; three great-grandchildren, Max, Zoe, Blair and one on the way, Beverly; two brothers, Dewayne Parker and wife Pam, and Clifford Parker and wife Waynetta all of Salem; two brothers-in-law, Rich Bobmeyer, High Ridge, and James Madison and wife Trisha, Bourbon; two sisters-in-law, Rosanne Shepherd, Lebanon, Missouri and Angel Monda and husband Ron, Cuba, Missouri; a special cousin, Bill Parker, Sr, Sullivan; numerous nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his son, Doug Parker; his parents, Claude and Violet Parker; four brothers, Jimmy, Roger, Dean and Edward Parker; two sisters, Brenda Hughes and husband Jim and Linda Bobmeyer; a nephew, Stacy Parker; and two nieces, Crystal and Tammy Parker.

Visitation was from 4 to 6 p.m., August 15, 2025, at Eaton Funeral Home, Sullivan.

A Remembrance Memorial Service was held at 6 p.m., August 15, 2025, at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan.

Friends may send their online condolences to John's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com

All arrangements are under the care and direction of Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Sullivan