Jerry Parker

Jerry Lee Parker, age 85, of South Salem, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Chillicothe VA Medical Center.

He was born on Oct. 13, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, the son of Alva and Anna (Slamka) Parker.

He was a 1947 graduate of Trotwood-Madison High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While serving in the army, he was on the Rifle and Pistol Sharpshooting team, traveling throughout Europe competing. He attended St. Benignus Catholic Church in Greenfield and St. Peter Catholic Church in Chillicothe. He was a third-degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, member of the American Czechoslovakian Club in Dayton, "Golden Age Eagle" of F.O.E # 1325, Paint Horse Association, Appaloosa Horse Club, and the NRA.

He retired from Candle-lite of Leesburg after 25 years of employment, where he served as a production manager, and was a former employee of Dayton Progress. After retirement, Jerry began training horses on the farm. Over the years, Jerry's farm held quad runner races, rodeos, horse shows, cross country events, and the world-famous Mud Ninja Events.

He is survived by two sons, Vincent Clay (Jinii Renee) Parker of South Salem, Marty Lee (Annie Elizabeth) Parker of Dublin; five grandchildren, Hudson Kyle Parker, Blaine Scott Parker, Montgomery Montovan Parker, Amelia Presley Parker, and Truman Cache Parker.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Nancy White; father, Alva Parker; mother and stepfather, Anna and Henry Clay Hudson.

Celebration of Life will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at the Murray-Fettro Funeral Home in Greenfield, beginning with a Veterans Appreciation Service and followed by Rev. Wayne Combs officiating. Burial will then follow at the South Salem Cemetery with military rites provided by the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, at the funeral home.

Condolences may be sent to www.murrayfettro.com.