Obituary of Harold Edward Parker
Harold E. Parker of Mill Creek, WA will be laid to rest at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline in July, 2023. Harold was born July 5, 1920 in Woonsocket, a small farming community in South Dakota. As an infant he was adopted by his aunt (Rebecca) and uncle (George) after losing his mother due to an illness in 1921.
Harold grew up in Mitchell South Dakota and graduated from Mitchell High School in 1939.
Harold is a WWII veteran having served in the Army Air Force from 1942 to 1946. He served his country in the 14th Air Force 69th, Depot Repair Sq also known as the Flying Tigers. He had extensive training in Texas, Arizona, California and finally Kelly Field in preparation for departure to China. Harold was stationed during the war at Kunming, China for two years. While serving in WWII he received the American Theatre Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and Victory Medal, among other commendations. After the war ended Harold remained in China to assist in shutting down America’s operation in interior China. He was then transferred to Headquarters in Shanghai to assist in decommissioning activities before returning to the states in June of 1946. Harold joined the Marine Reserves from 1948 to 1950 at the Sand Point Naval station. He was proud of his military service and remained an active member of the American Legion, for many years. He also frequently attended the annual Flying Tigers reunions.
He married Marie (Schoenfelder) in June of 1946 and together they raised 6 children in the Shoreline area of North Seattle. They were active members of St. Marks Catholic Church including the Women’s Guild (Marie), Knights of Columbus, Boy Scouts, Sunday Mass Usher and numerous parish fund raising activities (Harold). Harold and Marie were married for 58 years before Marie’s death in 2004.
Harold worked at Pacific Coca Cola Bottling Co. in Bellevue for over 25 years as a Foreman Manager and Quality Control Manager before retiring at age 62. He then pursued his passion for woodworking full time which had been a lifelong hobby. He and Marie made children’s furniture and home furnishings selling to local retailers in Bellevue and Lynnwood. They also purchased a second home on Camano Island where they spent many days and weekends entertaining their children and friends. The property was large enough that Harold bought a riding lawn mower giving the grandkids an opportunity to take turns riding along with Grandpa!
Harold is survived by 5 children, Rod (Karen) of Stanwood WA; Karen (Ron) of Woodinville WA, Kathie (Jim) of Anchorage AK, Chris (Theresa) of Marysville WA, and Brian (Rachelle) of Mill Creek WA; 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. His daughter, Renee passed away in 2007.
