Robert "Bob" Parker

Robert Paul Parker ("Bob") graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1961 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Even though he was recruited by Boeing to work on their new aircraft in the planning stage (the 727), he turned down that opportunity and went to work for the US Forest Service. His primary focus was Transportation Planning and his work journey took him all across the country, landing him in areas such as: Frankfort, KY; Warren, PA; Roanoke, VA; Columbia, SC; and Bend, OR, until his retirement in 1994.
His love and desire to serve his community began during his college years while working for Rogers Funeral Home (working in the ambulance assisting with retrieving bodies), as well as diving for body retrieval for Rogers, the City of Frankfort, and the State of Kentucky. He attempted to start Franklin County Search and Rescue in Frankfort, KY, in the early 1960's, but it was eventually transitioned into the Fire Department. He then worked with Search and Rescue Agencies and Fire Departments (all as a volunteer) in Warren, PA, Roanoke, VA, and Columbia, SC, until he completed his Firefighting career with the Bend Volunteer Fire Department (in which he started in 1977). During that tenure, he accumulated over 42 years of service with Search and Rescue Agencies and Fire Departments.
Bob also served his country in the US Army for a brief stint Active Duty (3 months) and in Reserves for some time following (7 years, 6 months). In addition to this service, he became actively involved with the local chapter of the Civil Air Patrol (the civilian branch of the US Air Force that focuses on Search and Rescue). He acted as a Monitor on several missions, was credited with two saves, and even served as the Squadron Commander for several years prior to his retirement from that service as well.
His other interests included being a private pilot from 1977 to 1999, during which time he created his side business of Aerial View Photography. He also delved into a completely new direction when he became a professional locksmith and worked with the team at Bend Lock and Safe. He even managed their second location for a few years prior to his next retirement.
Bob met the love of his life while working at the Forest Service in Frankfort. He and Olivia Agnes McDonald were married on March 26, 1965, and were married for a total of 29 years until her demise by an automobile accident on March 27, 1994. He lived an additional 29 years prior to rejoining Agnes eternally on March 12, 2023.
Bob was preceded in death by his step-son, Kenny D. Singleton III, on November 21, 2018. He is survived by his son Scott and his wife Deb, his granddaughter Diana and her husband Peter, as well as his great grandchildren Harley "May" and Frank.
Services will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 28, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Gilbert Wooldridge officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.