Robert Merlin Parker, age 90

of Vincennes, Indiana and formerly of Washington and Peoria, Illinois passed away Thursday, February 5, 2015 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, Illinois.
Funeral services celebrating Robert's life will be held at 1:00 PM – Monday, February 9, 2015 at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois with Tim Schnautz officiating. Burial will be in the Headyville Cemetery in rural Dieterich, Illinois with full military rites by the Jasper Post #20 American Legion. Visitation will be held 1 hour before the service. In loving memory of Robert, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Cancer Fund P.O. Box 333 Newton, Illinois 62448.

Robert was born on February 14, 1924 in Vincennes, Indiana the son of Corbett and Leona (Cooper) Parker. He married Blanche Jones on June 2, 1951 in Indianapolis, Indiana and she survives.
Robert served his country in the United States Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945. He served with the Darby Rangers at the Battle of the Bulge. He was injured and received the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
Robert was a car salesman and owned and operated Parker Auto Parts in Vincennes, Indiana.
Robert attended Sailor Springs Christian Church. He was a member of Vincennes American Legion Post #73 and the Knox County Voiture 40 & 8 in Vincennes, Indiana.
Robert is survived by:
Wife of 63 years – Blanche Parker of Washington, Illinois
Children – Pamela Turner of Salt Lake City, Utah
Mary (Chic) Matthews of Greenbrier, Arkansas
John (Hope) Parker of Dieterich, Illinois
Thomas Parker of Dieterich, Illinois
Eric (Anna) Parker of Peoria, Illinois
Chad Parker of Creve Coeur, Illinois
Brother – Eldon Parker of Vincennes, Indiana
9 Grandchildren 20 Great Grandchildren

Robert was preceded in death by parents; daughter Leona McKay; son Paul Parker; brother Estel Parker and a sister Vera Armstrong.