PASSADUMKEAG – Willard S. Parker, 77, husband of Arlene (Dudley) Parker, died June 21, 2004, at a Lincoln hospital. He was born Jan. 31, 1927, in Providence, R.I., the son of William S. and Florence (Foote) Parker, and was raised by William S. and Marcia (Foote) Parker, who were married after Florence died. He graduated from Howland High School and served with the U.S. Army in Italy from 1945 to 1947, on the Austrian border, as a sergeant in charge of a medical aid station. He received the Army of Occupation medal and the World War II Victory medal and was a Life Member of VFW Post No. 9429 in West Enfield. He served the community of Passadumkeag for many years as Selectman, School Board Member, Fireman, and was Fire Chief for nearly 20 years. He was very active with the Passadumkeag Historical Society and always volunteered to help on any project. Willard was one of those people who could do anything and everything. He was a carpenter, plumber, electrician, gardener, machinist, fireman, first aid man, and a host of other things and was self taught in all of those areas. He was an inspiration to others because he would encourage them to do the same thing. In addition to his wife, Arlene, he is survived by two daughters, Debra and her husband, Anthony Rancourt, of Passadumkeag, Sheila and her husband, Fred Woodman Jr., of Lincoln; a daughter-in-law, Margaret Parker of Stetson; seven grandchildren, Tony Hallett and Jason Hallett and his fianc?e, Karen, of Atlanta, Ga., Jeremy Parker of Plymouth, John and Amy Woodman of Lincoln, Matthew Woodman and his wife, Allison, of York, and Emily and her husband, Paul Adams, of Raymond; great-grandson, Max Woodman; a brother, Mark Parker Sr. of Passadumkeag; brother-in-law, Leland Dudley and his wife, Joyce; sister-in-law, Gail Larkin; sister-in-law, Marilyn and her husband, Delmar Fogg; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents and his grandparents, he was predeceased by an infant son, Wayne; a son, Michael David Parker; a brother, Bruce F. Parker; and a sister-in-law, Dallas Parker. Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Clay Funeral Home, 7 Lee Road, Lincoln. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Gould’s Ridge Cemetery, Passadumkeag, with the Rev. Maria Guereca officiating. Friends and family are invited to the Passadumkeag Community Building after the service. Because of his passion as a firefighter, donations in his memory may be made to the Passadumkeag Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 22, Passadumkeag, ME 04475. For an online register book, please visit www.clayfuneralhome.com.
WILLARD S. PARKER
