E.M. “Jack” Parker Jr., 92, of Brookville, PA, passed away during the morning hours on Sunday, March 4, 2018, as a resident of the McKinley Health Center in Brookville, PA.
Jack was born on February 19, 1926, to the late Earl Melvin Sr., and Genevieve (Fish) Parker in Punxsutawney, PA.
On February 4, 1984, Jack married E. Jean (Douthit) Parker in Brookville, PA; after 34 years and one month, Jean survives him.
Jack graduated from Punxsutawney High School with the class of 1946 and he served with the Civil Air Patrol. He has an extensive work history that spans most of the decades of his life. He founded, owned, and operated E.M. Parker Signs and the Parker’s Indian Trading Post in Cook Forest.
Both Jean and Jack loved to attend church together at the Evangelical United Methodist Church in Brookville, PA. This year marks 70 years that Jack was a member of the Masons, and he was affiliated with the Hobah Lodge 276 in Brookville, PA. Jack was a lifetime member of the Shriners beginning in 1962. He enjoyed riding his three-wheeler in parades. He was a past president and board member of the Cook Forest Vacation Bureau. He would spend hours working for the benefit of his community and is well known in our area for the good works that he helped facilitate and directly performed. Jack had a large part in finding funding for the Jefferson County Historical Society that led to the creation of the E.M. Parker Gallery. His efforts also helped tremendously in easing the burden of funding the project of the Brookville Food Pantry in its new location. Through the Boy Scouts, Jack helped to build a shelter that benefits the Scripture Rocks Park, just north of Brookville. Among many other causes, he supported the Brookville YMCA wholeheartedly.
Jack was a very talented and crafty man. Although sign painting and lettering was part of his business, he simply loved doing it. He won many tournaments in his younger years for shooting archery and playing tennis. Jack loved his family coming to visit and the time spent together was extra special to him, considering the distance between where the family lives. He loved traveling with his wife, Jean, and they would take trips with the Brookville Seniors and the Shriners.
Country Western Square Dancing was another talent that he shared with Jean at his side. They danced with the Gateway Squares and dancing took them to many places including Canada, numerous states, and all the local square-dancing hotspots. He enjoyed concerts with the DuBois Area Community, watching plays, and supporting Barbershop everywhere it was performed.
Jack loved his dog Orphy, a mixed mutt that lived to be 22 years old and would go with Jack everywhere.
Jack was a leader in the community, a great friend, and a true gentleman. He will be missed.
In addition to his wife Jean, Jack is survived by four children; Mike (Betty) Parker of Franklin, TN; Anne (Bruce) Schueren of Dublin, OH; Rob (Pam) Myers of Clancy, MT; Kathy (Kevin) Crooks of Reynoldsville, PA; eight grandchildren; Ryan Parker, Matthew Parker, Adam (Jessica) Schueren, Briden Schueren, Scott Handley, Missy (Jay) Quintana, Jaime (Jeremy) Kriner, Jeff (Stacy) Crooks; and six great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by an infant brother.
Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the McKinney – d’Argy Funeral Home, Ltd, 345 Main St., Brookville, PA. A Masonic service honoring his years of dedication will take place during the viewing beginning at 5:30 p.m. A second day of viewing will take place on Thursday, March 8, 2018, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at the Evangelical United Methodist Church, 30 S. White St., Brookville, PA. A funeral service will immediately follow the viewing on Thursday, beginning at 10:30 a.m., and officiated by Pastor Chuck Jack. Interment will take place at Circle Hill Cemetery, in Bell Township, Jefferson County, PA.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Shriners, the Evangelical United Methodist Church, or to any charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences and other information may be found at www.mckinneydargy.com.
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