Donald E. Parker, 84, formerly of Columbia City, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2017 at Cumberland Trace in Plainfield. Born Dec. 15, 1932 in Steuben County, he was the son of Alva Lee and Helen (Hayes) Parker.

Don grew up in Steuben County before moving to Columbia City and would go on to serve in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. On Oct. 7, 1955 he married Barbara Janese Lankford. Don worked at Dana Weatherhead in Columbia City for 38 years, retiring in 1993. He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, the Eagles and the American Legion in Columbia City. In March of 2016, he and Barb moved to Plainfield.

Survivors include his children, Mark (Tam) Parker of Columbia City, Daniel (Roselynn) Parker of Centerville, Texas, James (Gerri) Parker of South Bend and Rev. Julie (Kevin) Macy of Plainfield; 11 grandchildren, Adam (Kim) Parker, Aaron (Meghan) Parker, Andrew Parker, Alexander Parker, Kurtis Parker, Tyler Parker, Jameson Parker, Jacob Parker, Brenden (Natalie) Macy, Karlee Macy and Carissa Macy; four great-grandchildren, Allison and Madison Parker, Hayden and Elliot Parker; and sister, Helen Vonderau, of Seattle, Wa.  He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara in June of 2016; infant daughter, Sheryl Lynn Parker; brothers, Clifford, Virgil, Alva and Harold Parker; and sisters, Vera Briscoe and Marjorie Anderson.

Visitation is 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at South Park (Annex) Cemetery where military honors will be presented by the U.S.  Navy. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to Columbia City United Methodist Church.