Mr. Lawrence Alan Parker

Funeral Time: Thursday, December 21st at 12:00PM
Lawrence A. Parker "Larry", aged 89, passed away in Lexington, KY on November 17, 2023 after a two-year battle with prostate cancer and dementia. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 15th, 1934, to the late Walter and Una Harris Parker. He was a graduate of Cathedral Latin High School and received a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Institute of Technology in Cleveland. He met his future wife Kitty Haydu who was studying to be a nurse at Huron Hospital nearby. They were married on February 24th 1962 in Cleveland. He later obtained his MBA from the Wharton School of Business.
Larry had a long career with Parker Hannifin Corp in Cleveland, Los Angeles, and eventually Lexington. He was a manufacturing engineer and eventually became executive vice president at Parker Hannifin Corp. He went on to become president of Minnesota Rubber and Plastics in Minneapolis, MN. After "retiring", Larry became involved in numerous activities, including long-term volunteer assignments through SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) and the United Nations, to countries such as Sri Lanka, India, Yugoslavia and Russia, where he helped modernize their manufacturing processes and operations. Additionally, he served as a part-time instructor at the University of Kentucky School of Business and was also a JA (Junior Achievement) instructor in Lexington.
Larry and his wife Kitty were both actively involved with Lexington Habitat for Humanity. Their volunteer efforts and financial support funded the construction of more than 20 homes. In addition, their support included assistance for a college scholarship fund for children of habitat recipient families. It was their strong belief that everyone deserves a safe place to live, and that higher education contributes to an individual's ability to achieve this goal.
Larry enjoyed the outdoors through an active lifestyle. He completed the Boston Marathon, as well as numerous Bluegrass 10Ks, went dogsledding, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, and sailing in the Caribbean. He loved taking his family on big vacations and traveling to see his grandchildren. They were his pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Bob and David Parker, his sister Pam Parker Sweeney, and his wife Katherine "Kitty" Haydu Parker. He is survived by his three sons Mike (Zaida) Parker of Las Vegas, NV, Scott (Jackie) Parker of Huntsville, AL, and Ray (Cynthia) Parker of Lexington, KY. He is also survived by his six grandchildren Ariel (Chris) Parker Quinley of Kettering OH, Rance, Cadie, and Grayson Parker of Huntsville, AL, and PJ and CJ Parker of Lexington, KY.
A memorial mass will be held on Thursday December 21st, 2023 at noon at the Newman Center, 320 Rose Ln. Lexington, KY officiated by Father Anthony McLaughlin. Burial will follow immediately after in The Lexington Cemetery. Visitation will occur at the church prior to the service beginning at 10am. Arrangements are under the direction of Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Rd. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Lexington Habitat for Humanity.