AVON – Richard K. Parker, 26, was killed in action June 14, 2007, in Iraq, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was born Dec. 9, 1980, in Strong, a son of Scott Hood and Dixie Parker. He was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and served with the ABTRY 152 FA for nine years. He truly loved what he was doing in serving his country. He received the Bronze Star posthumously. Richard was a graduate of Mount Abram High School, Class of 1999. He loved hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. Just about anything that had to do with the great outdoors. He enjoyed many things in his short life. Some being collecting coins, rocks and fossils. Everything seemed to fascinate him. He was a caring and thoughtful person, who got his greatest enjoyment out of picking on his sisters. He enjoyed reading fantasy books and collecting wizards and dragons. There were many people he loved and who loved him in return. He was our son, grandson, brother, father, lover and friend. And we are all going to miss him very much. He is survived by his mother, Dixie Flagg and stepfather, Jerry Flagg, of Avon; his father, Scott Hood and stepmother, Flora, of Strong; his fianc?e, Ashley Smith and his son, Keegan Smith, of Wilton; one brother, William Parker of Farmington; three sisters, Meghan Parker of Strong, Stephanie Hood of Strong, and Cheyenne Flagg of Avon; maternal grandmother, Dawn Adams of Avon; paternal grandmother, Barbara Hood of Strong; stepgrandparents, Dor-othy Savage and husband, Frank, of Avon and John Flagg of Avon; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; extended family, stepfather, Jeff Wing of Madrid; stepbrother, Jason Wing of Madrid; and stepsister, Jamie Wing of Strong. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Richard Parker Sr. and Roger Hood. Visitation hours will be 6-8 p.m. Monday, June 25, at Mount Abram High School, 1513 Salem Road, Salem. Full military funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Abram High School with Chaplain Lt. Col. Andrew L. Gibson officiating. Interment will at Mile Square Cemetery, Avon. After the interment a reception will be held at Phillips Middle School, Blake Hill, Phillips. Food may be brought 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 26, until the time of the reception to the Phillips Middle School kitchen entrance. Friends wishing may make donations in Richard’s memory to the Sergeant Richard K. Parker Scholarship Fund, care of Judy McCurdy, Guidance Office Mount Abram High School, 1513 Salem Road, Salem, ME 04983. Arrangements under the care and direction of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan.
RICHARD K. PARKER
