Arthur W. Parker

Arthur W. "Art� Parker of Blue Springs, MO was born January 13, 1915 and departed this life June 30, 2004 in Independence, MO. Services will be 10 am Saturday, July 3, 2004 at George C. Carson & Sons Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday, from 7 to 8:30 pm at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Art was born in St. Joseph, MO the fourth of seven children of Arthur and Wardie Parker. Art married Mildred Richie in 1935, sharing 47 years before her death in 1982. They had two sons, Robert Parker and wife Bonnie of Independence, MO and Gary Parker, who died in 1977. From this family, Art leaves seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. In 1984, Art married M. Elizabeth "Betty� Pelletier and became "Dad� and "Grandpa Art� to Betty�s family. This includes Betty�s children (and their dear companions) Paulette E. Resch, of Independence, MO Lionel Pelletier of Kalamazoo, MI, Debra Bravata and Jon Pelletier of Calendonia MI, and JR Pelletier of Kansas City, MO. From this second family, Art also leaves 16 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister, Bertha Hearer of Oak Grove, MO, half-brother, W. Eugene Parker of Independence, MO and adopted sister, Marcela Montel of Oak Grove, MO, sister-in-law, Nadine Stanley and husband Doris. In addition to his parents, first wife Mildred and son Gary he was preceded in death by his brothers Andrew, Walter, Paul, Delbert, and Albert. Art worked for Otis Elevator for over 35 years, retiring in 1977. He loved to travel and he and Betty traveled wifely in the US and abroad. Two of his greatest joys were trips to Israel, and to China and the Far East with the Nora Lamm Crusades. He loved nature and the out of doors and became a "gentleman farmer� during his retirement years, raising a small herd of cattle each summer. When not traveling, he and Betty would spend the winter months at their Florida home. Art accepted Jesus as his personal savior when he was 37 years old and loved the Lord with all his heart. The Bible was his favorite book and, as a member of the Gideon Society one of his greatest joys during many of his retirement years was placing Bibles in the schools and hotels of Eastern Jackson County. He shared his love of Jesus with all who would listen. Although Alzheimer�s clouded most of Art�s mind in this last few years, he never lost his ability to recognize or witness of his friend, Jesus. He longed to be released from his mental and physical burdens so her could "go home.� He will be missed by his families, and his many friends who called him "Torge.� In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Secret Garden Secure Unit at Rosewood or Care Alternatives 1420 NW Vivian Road, Kansas City, MO 64118 the hospice, hospice that provided such professional and loving care in Art�s last week in this life.