Elmer W Parker

Mr. Elmer Willie Parker, age 78, formerly of Towanda, PA, passed on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the Highlands Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Laporte, PA.

          Elmer was born October 30, 1941, in Port Angeles, WA, a son of the late Roy W. & Una C. Balcom Parker.  He was raised in Forks, WA and graduated from Forks high school. He then attended Grays Harbor College in Aberdeen, Washington. Elmer joined the US Army in 1965 and served for two years.  He was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado.

          In the service he met Sharon Irwin from Meshoppen, PA, and they married. Worked for Commonwealth Telephone Company for 37 years until his retirement.  During that period, he served as lineman, installer, dispatcher and retired as a switchman. During power outages, he would take generators to the outlining offices to keep the switches working until the power was restored.  He also served as Union President for CT workers in the local area for several years.  For some years, in the early 1970’s, Elmer also helped with his in-law’s local disposal route.

          After retirement, Elmer took some enrichment courses through the Bradford County Library and worked at Walmart in Athens where he worked in several capacities from stocking shelves, to door greeter, to Santa and the Easter Bunny. He was loved and known by many during all three jobs.  Elmer spent his entire working career at Commonwealth Telephone Company. 

          He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen Mary Dunn-Parker on May 17, 2019.

Surviving:

Three sons:

Arthur (Pamela) Parker                                         Gillett, PA

Robert (DeAnn) Parker                                         New Milford, PA

Elmer W. (Julia) Parker                                         Logansport, LA

Daughters:

Deanna Parker (Robinette) Minix                          Salyersville, KY

Mary (Chris) Dunn Parker-Bradley                        Bogalusa, LA

Grandchildren:

Meghanne Elayna Parker

Reid Mitchell Parker

Amanda Gin Thomas

Ryan Heath Thomas

Two brothers:

Walt (Phillis) Parker                                              Washington State

Richard (Crystal) Parker                                        Sequim, WA

          In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers:  Gary and Royal (Al) of Washington state. Two sisters: Opal Parker Riggs and an infant sister, Lillian, also of Washington state. His in-law’s, Elaine and Paul Dorsney of Sheshequin, Pennsylvania and a brother-in-law, Charles Michael Rhodes of Falls, PA

          And several nieces and nephews.

          Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

          Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614.

          To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com.