Richard G. Parker

December 24, 1945 ~ October 31, 2022 (age 76)

Richard (Rick) Parker, 76, of Greencastle, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at Mill Pond Health Campus. Rick was born in Greencastle December 24, 1945, to the late George and Freda(Hurst) Parker of Bell Union. He graduated from Filmore High School in 1964 and received a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Vickie (Knoy) Parker, son Matt Helmer (Fawn);grandchildren Parker Helmer, Ally Taylor, Connor George, and Becca George; sister Carol Conner; sister-in-law Beckie (Knoy) Nachtrieb (Mark); nephew Pat Connor (Sandi); nieces Anne Uberto (Brent), Kara Trimmer (Matt), Megan Nachtrieb, and Kaitlin Nachtrieb; and six great nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Purdue University, Rick returned to the Bell Union area to carry on the third generation of family farming. He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of the Wednesday Inside Nine Only (WINO) Golf League, and a loyal and steadfast friend with those who shared the love of the game. Rick was known for his persistence; he did not give up on a piece of broken equipment, a flooded field, his golf swing, or even the Purdue basketball and football teams. Through years of immense health challenges, he persevered. Rick was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and a faithful friend to the lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 4th, 2022 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm, Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale.  Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 5th, 2022 at 11:00am with burial following at the Stilesville Cemetery.  Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.  Memorial gifts may be made to the Putnam County Community Foundation for the Rick and Vickie Parker Family Scholarship Fund. Online gifts can be given via https://putnamccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1140