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BORN
1948
DIED
2022
Jay Parker Obituary
Jay Howard Parker, 74, dedicated husband and fried of many, passed away October 25, 2022, at his home in Hernando, FL under the care of Hospice/Vitas with his wife, Becky of 37 years and his sister, Vickie, by his side.
He was a veteran of the United States Army having served his county in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969.
Jay was born July 4, 1948, in Fort Wayne, Indiana to Kenneth J. Parker and Carolyn A. (Hilyard) Parker. He spent his formative years as a "laker" growing up around Tri-Lakes, Indiana. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1966 and upon graduation he went to work at General Electric in Fort Wayne. He soon moved on to International Harvester (NAVISTAR) where he spent 15 years at the Fort Wayne facility and 15 years at the Springfield, OH facility. He retired from the Springfield facility in 2003.
Upon retirement, he and his wife moved to Hernando, FL, where he enjoyed fishing, motorcycle riding, traveling, and tinkering with his classic 1968 Mustang. He also immersed himself in the Leroy Rooks Jr. VFW Post 4252 where he was Quartermaster for several years and made many lasting friendships.
Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Kenny and Carole, his brother Doug and granddaughter Hailey. He is survived by the love of his life, Rebecca (Darr) Parker; his sister Vickie (Jim) Wise, Ft. Myers, FL; Star (Manuel) Soto, Concal, Mexico; Adam (Becky) Parker; Ft. Wayne, IN; Crystal (Kest Cousins) Parker, Clovis, CA; and Danielle (Greg) Johnson, Richfield, MN; as well as 8 grandchildren.
Jay was an active member of The American Legion 237 and The Legion Riders 237 in Beverly Hills, FL, in addition to the VFW Post 4252.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the VFW Post 4252 and burial with honors at The Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL. The dates to be determined. The Neptune Society handled his cremation.
In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations to VFW Post 4252, 3190 N. Carl G. Rose Highway, Hernando, FL 34442 or Hospice/Vitas, 3280 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL 34461.
He will be greatly missed by many.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jay Parker
Crystal Pistol Parker
October 18, 2023
I miss you a lot Daddy! Next week will be one year and I still can´t believe you´re gone. I still reactively try to call you when I have exciting news or need advice. I´m glad you´re not in pain anymore, but I´d give anything to have you back and healthy.
I love and miss you!
Ivy Tendler
November 19, 2022
I remember the day I met Jay, He and Becky came out to Ed and Grace Jessup's home here in Citrus County. Jay was such a nice guy and seemed thrilled to meet my children, Dylan and DJ, He had known my fiance Doug Wine for many years. He seemed genuinely proud of Doug being a dad. Doug has always thought of Jay and Becky as family. Jay is a great loss to Doug and will be greatly missed. Praying for you Becky and Vicki may you find peace in the word and strength in his comforting arms. RIP Jay
Roger Hilyard
November 3, 2022
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
priscilla peters
October 31, 2022
Sorry to hear about Jay. He will be missed by family and friends. We were classmates and I was also a "laker". Rest in Peacefriend.
Bonnie Pfeiffer
October 31, 2022
Sorry to hear about Jay. May his family find some comfort in knowing he was loved/liked by so many. We other "lakers" will miss him.
Charmaine L Hilyard
October 31, 2022
So very sorry for your loss. So glad that we were able to meet you both. Our Condolence are been sent and prayers also.
Craig & Christine Itt
October 30, 2022
Our condolences to all of the family. It was easy to be comfortable around Jay.
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