Arthur "Bill" Earl Parker

Arthur "Bill" E. Parker, 77, of Greenleaf, KS, died early Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Community Memorial Healthcare in Marysville. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 11 at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. Sister Marilyn Wall officiated. Sheila Ouellette played the organ while Moriah Becker sang "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". Pallbearers were Alan Rieth, Lee Rieth, Travis Rieth, Murray Dague, Roger Heier and Mark Heier. Honorary pallbearers were Stanford Stamm, Kenneth Wurtz, Greg Knedlick, Duane Wilson, Gary Hatesohl and Eldon Geffert. Burial was in the Greenleaf City Cemetery. Bill was born July 4, 1931 near Greenleaf, the son of Arthur Earl, Sr., and Agatha E. (Wenzel) Parker. He graduated from Greenleaf High School. On May 29, 1943 he married Virginia M. Rieth at Hanover, KS. Bill farmed and milked cows with his father. In the early 70's Bill started his dairy north-west of Greenleaf. He enjoyed spending time outdoors with his family. When the children were young, Bill would take them hunting and fishing on Sundays. Survivors include his wife, Virginia of the home; three children, Scott Parker and wife Christine of Beloit, KS, Curtis Parker of Greenleaf, KS, and Tammy Jo Parker of Fort Worth, TX; three sisters, Arlene Dague of Washington, KS, Shirley Kern of Washington, and Vyonne Mack and husband George of Hutchinson, KS; and four grand-daughters. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Darrell Parker; and one sister, Illa Moon. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Arthur "Bill" Earl Parker, please visit our flower store.