Donald George Parker

Donald George Parker July 1, 1927 - January 10, 2024 MUSCATINE, Iowa - Donald Parker was a faithful husband, a devoted father, a 5th generation Iowa farmer, a WWII Veteran, a salesman extraordinaire, and just an all-around great guy, who never met a stranger who wasn't a friend. Donnie (as he was known then), the youngest son of Clinton and Ethel (Frame) Parker, grew up with his two brothers, Clinton and Kenneth, on the family farm in the Nishnabotna River Valley near Henderson, Iowa. Upon graduating high school in 1946 Don enlisted in the Army, rising to the rank of T-Corporal. After serving his country for two years, including a tour in Korea. He then entered Iowa State University on the GI Bill and obtained a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science. It was there he met the love of his life, Lora Mae Palmer. Upon Lora Mae's graduation, the Southwest Iowa boy and the Eastern Iowa girl were joined in marriage on June 16, 1951, in Keota, followed by a Lake of the Ozarks honeymoon. Don and Lora Mae settled down on the family farm and operated the Parker farms in partnership with his Father Clinton and his Uncle Lynn; raising hogs, feeding cattle and growing cro...[more]

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on the fertile Nishna bottomland. They helped brother Clint build his herd in South Dakota by wintering cows and feeding out heifers, sending them back up to pasture in the spring. James (Jimmy, Jim, JD) was the start of their family, followed by Kathryn (Kate) and then Douglas (Doug, Duke). In 1963, following a referral from Iowa State, he was able to rent a large farm in Eastern Iowa, north of Tipton. With the help of his Father and Uncle he relocated the family to their new home. The venture was successful, and he expanded by acquiring a neighboring farm. He enjoyed becoming involved in the new community becoming active in the Lions Club, Masons and serving on the School Board. In 1969 Don became an agent for the Farm Bureau Insurance Company. He went on to become a successful life insurance salesman, winning several awards and trips. A few years later his son Jim took over operating their farm, and Don continued to spend each spring and fall, and many days in between working with his son. In 1977, after several years of success in sales, he was promoted to agency manager for Muscatine County, Iowa. The family moved to Muscatine, where Don enjoyed several years of recruiting and managing his agents and making new friends throughout the county. In 2001, Don decided it was time to hang up his insurance hat. He spent his semi-retirement years as a chauffeur and tour guide, often driving his fellow veterans to the VA Hospital in Iowa City. He also enjoyed assisting Lora Mae's real estate business with property maintenance and sign support. His son Doug moved back home in 2010. He shepherded his folks through their twilight years with never ending patience and compassion. Don was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church of Muscatine, Lions Club, the Masons, Rotary, and United Marriage Encounter. He loved boating and waterskiing in the summer, snow skiing in the winter, and anything that had to do with agriculture. He enjoyed driving Doug's old '54 Ford in area parades. At his 90th birthday party he led us all in singing his all-time favorite "Route 66." Those left to honor his memory include his son, J.D. Parker and his wife Karen, of Greenville, Texas; his daughter, Kate Hungerford and her husband, Dave, of Buda, Texas; his son, Doug Parker, of Muscatine, Iowa; granddaughter Rachel Cassady and her husband John, of Fate, Texas, grandson Thad Parker and his wife, Karin, of Louisville, Texas, granddaughter Callie Hungerford of San Antonio, Texas; great-grandchildren Savannah, Abbey, and Jacob Cassady of Rockwall, Texas, and his Sister-in-Law Twila Shankland of Denver, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lora Mae; and his brothers, Clinton and Kenneth. Memorial services will be held at 12:00pm, Sunday, June 30. 2024 at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 35984 Epperson Ave, Hastings, Iowa; to be followed by a celebration of life and reception at the Indian Creek Historical Society Museum, 59256 380th St, Hastings, Iowa 51540. All friends and family are invited. In place of flowers, Don has requested that donations be made to Wesley Chapel Church or the Indian Creek Historical Society. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com.