William Keith Parker

William K. (Bill) Parker, LtCol USMC Ret, 88, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 20, 2023, at his home in East Wenatchee, Washington with his wife, by his side. He was born in Chicago, IL on April 12, 1934, the oldest child of Clarence Parker and Susan (Stroud) Parker.

Along with his wife Dorothy, he is survived by sons Brian (Karla) & Steven, daughters Lisa (Mark) Irwin & Jennifer, sisters Linda Wilcox & Cecily (Larry) Langellier, stepchildren Maureen (Rob) Jones & Michael McGinty, and many grandchildren & great grandchildren. Bernadette Parker, the mother of Lorraine, Brian, Steven, Lisa, and Jennifer, also survives Bill. Jacqueline McGinty Parker, his wife of 35 years, & his daughter Lorraine preceded him in death.

Bill graduated from Lindblom High School in 1952, Wilson Junior College in 1954, & The Naval Aviation Cadet Program in July 1956 where he was commissioned a 2nd Lt in the United States Marine Corps. After 23 years, he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Bill was decorated with many honors and commendations. In Vietnam, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross twice in Feb 1968. He was also awarded the Navy Air Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous Unit & Campaign Awards. Bill was very proud of his time as a Marine Corps Aviator and his service to his country. His post military years were spent primarily in sales and financial management positions in the automotive and manufactured home industries.

He was a lifelong Chicago White Sox fan, a lifelong golfer, & loved to travel. His 35 yrs of marriage to Jackie included many travels around the world. They made their home in Western WA, Crescent Bar, WA & Prescott, AZ eventually residing in East Wenatchee.

Early in 2021, Bill & Dorothy Ambroz Palmquist reconnected from their high school years, marrying on August 20, 2022…seven months to the day before Bill's passing.

Bill will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA with full military honors on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The family requests memorials in Bill's honor be directed to The National Marine Corps League, www.mclnational.org/about.