Walter T. Parker

Walter Parker passed away quietly at his home in Bend early on Tuesday, June 10, 2014. He was born on September 9th, 1926 in French Lick, Indiana to Walter and Elli Parker (Schroder) who were featured performers with Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus. Walt grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan with his parents and in the care of his Oma and Opa while his parents traveled as performers. His Opa was part of the design team for the Detroit Zoo and its first curator. It was through this experience that Walt developed a deep, lifelong love for animals and their care. Upon graduation from Royal Oak High School, Walt was drafted into the U.S. Army and served as a scout with the 6th Cavalry Recon Troop during the campaign to liberate Luzon in the Philippines during World War II. After the war, he also served in Korea before being honorably discharged. He was awarded the Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and Army of Occupation Medal Japan. Walt spent a summer traveling with the circus and then graduated from Michigan State University in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. After graduation, he moved to Bend and began his 30 year career with the U.S. Forest Service. He worked in Bend, Crescent, Detroit and Oakridge. He met and married the love of his life, Elaine Selken in Bend in 1953 at First Lutheran Church downtown. They were married 53 years until her passing in 2007. A daughter, Nancy, was born in 1956: son, Ted, followed in 1958 and Tom arrived in 1960. All the Parker children were born at St. Charles when it was downtown on hospital hill. He also welcomed son in law Ron Alvarez and daughter in law Judith (Murphy/Watterson) into his family. Walt enjoyed all outdoor activities particularly with his family. He took great delight in his grandsons, Jared, Drew and Ethan. One of his greatest joys was having them nearby and watching them grow to be men. They were greatly influenced by his love and his gentleness. Walt was an active member of First Lutheran Church and also volunteered at the Family Kitchen and Friends of Thompson School. Walt lived out his deep faith in Christ through his family and his community. His faith and family were the most treasured part of his life. We hold to the hope of a wonderful family reunion with Walt and Elaine. Service will be held Wednesday, June 25th at 2 PM at Grace First Lutheran Church, Bend. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Walter T. Parker

September 9, 1926 - June 10, 2014