William 'Bill' Houston Parker

William “Bill” Houston Parker was born on March 12, 1920 to the late Thurman and Grace (Prow) Parker in Mtn. Grove, Missouri. Three sisters joined the family: Louise, Betty, and Mary. He passed away in Mtn. Grove on Saturday, November 26, 2011 at the age of 91 years and 8 months.

Bill and Emmagene “Genie” Owen were married on October 21, 1945 in Houston, Missouri at the First Baptist Church. They were blessed with two sons: William “Bill” Owen and Bruce Stephen.
Bill graduated from Mtn. Grove High School in 1938. He was a member of the 1937-38 Mtn. Grove High School SCA winning team that gave him great enjoyment and lasting friendships.
Bill gave his life to Jesus Christ in 1934 at the age of fourteen, during a revival at the First Baptist Church in Mtn. Grove. With the exception of eight years following graduation when he was away in school, working, or in the service, his membership has been with the First Baptist Church.
Bill was ordained as a Deacon of the church in 1952. His church was a vital part of his life.
Bill joined the United States Navy in April of 1943 where he served in the South Pacific during World War II and was honorably discharged in January of 1946.
Bill was offered a position with Floyd and Myrtha Dryer in their shoe store, which resulted in a gratifying business and personal relationship until their deaths. He continued in the shoe business with his son, Bruce, until Bruce’s death in 2002. Bill valued his friendships he made during the fifty-five years he was in business in Mtn. Grove.
He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over fifty years. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and served several years on the Mtn. Grove R-III School Board. He was a strong supporter of the Mtn. Grove School system and was active in starting the Little League Baseball program.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son: Bruce Parker; and by one sister: Louise Grant.
Bill is survived by his loving wife: Genie Parker of their home; his son: Bill Parker and wife, Vicki, and their daughters, Larkin and Kim; Bruce’s sons: Brett and Bryan and their mother, Jane; great-grandchildren: Dax, Ryan, Logan and Kaylee; his sisters: Betty McCarty and Mary Klee; nephews and nieces; cousins; dear ones: Dale Dryer, Bob and Barbara (Dryer) Davis; Ron and Marilyn (Dryer) Willcoxen, and Vonna Douglass.
Bill and his family humbly appreciated the kindness shown to him during his declining years by his Pastor, neighbors, and friends. God Bless each of you.

Memorial Contributions:
Family requests contributions to be made to the Gideons c/o the funeral home.