He loved being with his family Murray Samuel Parker, the son of Charles Parker and Lillian Murray Parker, was born Oct. 4, 1924, in Randolph County, and departed this life Nov. 16, 2007, at the age of 83 years 1 month and 4 days.
Murray was a resident of Mansfield, moving there from Ava, in 1989. He was a mechanic and farmer before his retirement. On Jan. 14, 1963, Murray and Beverly J. Kepple were united in marriage in Galesburg, Ill.
Murray enjoyed gardening, watching the St. Louis Cardinals, working with Ray at the shop, visiting with friends, and he loved being with his family.
Murray was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Charles and Cleo; two sisters, Lee and Lula; and one son, Ricky Bush.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of the home, Mansfield; four children and their spouses, Roxann Thomas and Tom, Osawatomie, Kan., Robert Bush and Deana, Rio, Ill., Rhonda Buchanan and Jerry, Seymour, Ray Parker and Deena, Mansfield; nine grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two sisters, Alma Vogeler and Gleana Harrison, both of Rolla; two brothers, Jewel Parker, Rolla, and Johnie Parker, Modesto, Calif.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 20, in the Mansfield First Assembly of God Church, with Pastor Jerry Orf officiating. Interment followed in the Arno Cemetery, Ava. Visitation was held at the church on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made to donor’s choice. Services are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava. On-line condolences may be made at www.clinking-beardfuneralhome.com.
