Charles Parker

CHARLES PARKER Charles "Charlie" Jonathon Parker, 69, of Vallejo, Calif., passed away Friday, March 2, 2007. He was born March 8, 1937, in Telluride, Colo., and resided in Nevada for 35 years. Charlie a.k.a. Jonnie graduated from high school in 1955, and joined the U.S. Marine Corps the following winter. After a stint in the Marine Corps as a jet mechanic and a year attending Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., Charlie worked for Martin-Marietta in the silos outside of Denver. Charlie and his sister moved to Las Vegas New Year's Eve, 1962. He spent most of his adult life as a resident here. He learned to deal 21 at the Mint Hotel and found his avocation. He was last at the Excalibur from opening day until his retirement in 2000. He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous and was a past president of the 5th Chapter Motorcycle Club where he acquired the nickname of "Crash" since he would forget to put his kickstand down. When not in Las Vegas, he was working as an assayer for copper mining corporations in Arizona and Utah. Charlie moved to Vallejo, Calif., in 2002 where he resided with his daughter and her three boys. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph James, Sr. and Lydia of Grand Junction, Colo. He is survived by his son, Bruce of Las Vegas; daughter, Elizabeth of Vallejo, Calif.; seven grandchildren; ex-wife, Boots Karen; and a large extended family. He is also survived by two brothers, Jim of Grand Junction, Colo., and Tim of Albuquerque, N.M.; and one sister, Stephanie Barnett of Las Vegas; plus many nieces and nephews. A memorial is planned for late April.