Johnnie Parker

November 1, 1927 - February 3, 2021

Johnnie Parker, "Papa John", age 93, of Toledo, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family, Wednesday, February 3, 2021. He was born in Valley Creek, Tennessee to Grady and Abbie Parker. He served in the US army in 1945-1946 and was recognized for his service by President Harry Truman. He was happily married for 68 years to Hazel (Walden) Parker. She says, “He is the most courageous and generous man she has ever known and that she loves him and will miss him dearly.” Johnnie enjoyed his work as a millwright and welder where he made many lifelong friends. He was a member of the UAW and retired from General Motors, Adrian, MI. John also enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and telling tall tales of days past. John and Hazel were lifelong members of The Church of God and raised their family to serve the Lord they lead by example. He made sure every one of his daughters, granddaughters and nieces knew they were beautiful and his favorite. He passed his love of fishing and knowledge of all things outdoors to his sons and grandsons. He especially enjoyed spending time on the shores of Lake Erie and the Maumee River, but never lost his love for his first home in the mountains of Tennessee. He is survived by his beautiful wife, Hazel and his children, Terry Parker (d. Vicki Hutcheson, d. Jamie Sue Crandall), Tammy (Dan) Bonnough, Amy (Scott) Gardner and Rick Parker (Christine Palmerton) and special mention of “his girl” Lauren Herring. Grandchildren, Jeremy, Jennifer (Brad), Kurt (Mandy), Amber (Tim), Kelsey (DJ), Scott II, Megan, Dustin (Emily) and Cassandra. Great-Grandchildren Aaron, Ryleigh, Abigail, Braxton, Tyler, Evelina, Jonah, Bryson, Chase, Addison, Parker, Mason, Johnnie, Samson and Avrik. He is also survived by siblings Arnold (Imogene) Parker, Carolyn (Claude) Smith and Blaine (Donna) Parker. As well as special cousin Rev. Junior (Patricia) Parker. He is preceded in death by his parents Grady and Abbie Parker, siblings Bill Parker, Charles Parker and Katherine Holiday. Special thank you to April his home care giver and his nurse, Becky with Hospice of NW Ohio. Friends are invited to visit from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 5, 2021 at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where a time of sharing memories will be held at 7:00 p.m. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday February 6, 2021 at The Church Maumee, 3000 Strayer Road, Maumee, Ohio 43537, with Rev. Tony Scott officiating, visitation will be held at The Church after 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to The Church Maumee.