Robert Ira Parker

Bob’s life story began November 15, 1925 when he was born in Perrysburg, Ohio as Robert Ira Parker, shortly after always called Bob. He lived a short time in Perrysburg before moving to Oregon, Ohio to the neighborhood of South Shore Park where he would spend the rest of his life. His mother used to tell stories of when he was a young boy so he had a great time growing up. He attended Clay High School, leaving to enlist in the U.S. Navy during WWII, where he served as a cook. Growing up, his family can remember that when he cooked at home, he always cooked enough to feed the Navy! Many of the kids in the neighborhood may remember his huge roaster pans of popcorn during the hot summer evenings. He always popped it using bacon grease and it was delicious!! Living your entire life in a small neighborhood, everybody knew Bob and Bob knew everybody, from the oldest to the youngest and only during the past few years did he forget names. Bob retired from Libbey Owens Ford Thermopane division and then worked odd jobs to keep busy. One job he especially loved was working for Hertz rent a car at the Toledo airport, driving cars to and from different airports. During his younger years, with his dark beard, hair and chiseled features he was nicknamed Abe (after Abe Lincoln).

Many of his closest friends always called him by this nickname. He loved being with his grandkids, fishing, playing softball, shuffleboard, horseshoes and bowling. He was a charter member of the VFW 9816, serving as past commander and never missing Friday night get-togethers up until his death.

Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Helen; daughter, Jean Vrahiotes and sons, Robert John Parker and Terry Jay Parker. Also surviving are his five grandchildren, Andy Joe Taylor, Holly Parker, Robert Parker, Paul Jay Vrahiotes and Johnny Parker as well as great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Andy Joe Parker; his parents: father, Ira “Dutch” Parker, mother, Jessie B. Parker and brother, John “Gator Jack” Parker. During his long life he lived through a lot but nothing kept Bob down for very long. When his eyesight failed him, he still continued to bowl twice a week. He never missed going to the VFW Post every Friday. One of the highlights of his life was going on the Honor Flight in 2013 to Washington DC. He was always proud of his service in the Navy and it was wonderful for the veterans to be honored through these flights. He never stopped talking about it and how nice it was. Bob wants everyone to remember him as they last saw him. To his wife, he will always be with you. To his children, he will never stop watching over you. To his grandchildren, who gave him the best times in his life, he gives you a hug and kiss every day. To everyone at VFW Post 9816, he salutes you. To everyone he bowled with, when you hear thunder, he is bowling a strike. To everyone else, he thanks you for being part of his life. Bobs life story on earth ended January 30, 2017 after 91 years. Now he starts another story of peace and serenity.

Bob you are loved and will be missed by all those who knew you.

Remember Dad… it’s always been Jean, Joe, John and T.J. and of course, Mom!

Give Joe a hug and kiss from us all. We love you. R.I.P.

A celebration of Bob’s life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at the VFW Post 9816, 1802 Ashcroft Drive, Oregon, Ohio, 43616. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the VFW Post 9816.

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