CHARLES PARKER

Charles Garland Parker. 70, of Higginsville, MO and formerly of Norborne, MO died at 7:58 a.m. on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 at The V.A. Medical Center in Kansas City, MO.
Charles was born on December 25, 1940 in Fairmount, MO to Charles G. and Helen (Sims) Parker, Sr. He married Sharon Riddell of Richmond, MO on July 20, 1964; she survives of the home.
Additional survivors include one son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Jill Parker of Pleasant Hill, MO; three daughters, Terri Parker of New Mexico, Sherry Parker of San Bernardino, CA and Dawn Brigandi of Higginsville; 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by one brother, Don Parker.
Charles was a lifelong area resident. Charles followed a family tradition of working for the Santa Fe Railroad. He worked as a brakeman and conductor till he retired in 1982. He was of the Baptist faith. Charles was a U.S. Army Veteran.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Disabled Veterans.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 11, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 11 from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Richmond Memory Gardens where military honors will be conducted by the Ray County Veterans.