William Parker

William A. Parker, 79, Independence, MO passed away July 26, 2007. A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Sunday, July 29, 2007 at Speaks Suburban Chapel; cremation. A visitation will follow the service until 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Shriners Hospitals c/o Ararat Shrine.
Billy, who was also known to his family as Sonny, was born Jan. 14, 1928 in rural Buchanan County, MO. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. He was a truck driver for Yellow Freight Systems from 1958 until his retirement in 1990. Billy was a member of Masonic Lodge #617 Swope Park, Scottish Rites, American Legion Post #21, Eagles Lodge #3717 and the Moose Lodge. He was very involved in the Ararat Shrine where he was a member of the Oriental Band and “the Q”.
Billy was preceded in death by his parents Gladys Stewart and William Parker; sisters Skeets Parker and Erma Parker; and brother Edgar Parker. He is survived by daughter Lori Paro; son-in-law Mike Paro, both of Buffalo, MO; daughter Charlene Parker; step-son Dave Wilbanks and wife Sandi, Kansas City, MO; sisters Betty Ellis and husband Ted; Linda Parker; brothers Red Parker; Babe Parker; Ronnie Parker and wife Phyllis, all of St. Joseph, MO; fourteen grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.