Harold "Budgy" Parker

PARKER, Harold "Budgy"
Of Portage Harold "Budgy" Parker was born to Ralph and Mary Parker on June 16, 1922 in Kalamazoo, MI. Affectionately called "Budgy", he was known for his charisma, sense of humor, and he befriended everyone he met. Harold enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served from 1942-1946. He was united in marriage to Edyth Brown on October 15, 1948. He and Edyth enjoyed spending time with their family, and travelling together. Budgy epitomized Christ's love by teaching Sunday School, driving the church bus, and encouraging youth involved in basketball programs at The Salvation Army. He was a faithful soldier of Jesus Christ. Harold was employed by the Upjohn Company for over 40 years. After his retirement, he was a national trainer and consultant in hazardous materials transportation for Lion Technology. Harold had many accomplishments in life including: Captain of the Kalamazoo Central High School Cross Country Team in 1939; Honor Man at the U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Clerical School attaining the highest grade average in the history of the school; Officiated high school football and basketball for 25 years; President of Southwestern Michigan Officials Association; Charter President American Society of Traffic and Transportation; President of Delta Nu Alpha Chapters in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. He was a member of The Salvation Army Band, Songsters, Advisory Board, served as Young People's Sergeant Major from 1953-1977 and Corps Sergeant Major from 1977-2012. He served in the Marine Corps League as a chaplain and member of the Executive Committee of the Veterans Administration Volunteer Service. Harold passed away peacefully on March 25, 2012. He is survived by his daughter, Judy Chris Aukes; a daughter-in-law Wendy Jim Larson; grandchildren, Michelle Randy Henry, Mark Parker, Laura Aukes, Emily Aukes, and Amy Aukes; great-grandchildren, Brynn, Aaron, and Grant Henry; brothers- and sisters- in-law, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Edyth Parker; two sons, Dave Parker and Dan Parker, brother, Don Parker, and two sisters, Doris Ryder and Dorothy DeVault. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 pm on Wednesday at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Funeral services for Harold will be at 11:00 am on Thursday at The Salvation Army, 1700 S. Burdick Street, with Lt. Col. Jeff Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Salvation Army Band Fund.