Thomas Parker

Thomas L. Parker, 80, of Sister Lakes, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at Sue’s Loving Care in Kalamazoo. A time of visitation for friends and family from Michigan will be held on Friday, May 13, 2016 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center Street in Dowagiac with Masonic Rites held at 6:30.  Friends in Illinois may visit with the family from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, May 15, 2016 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W 55th Court, Countryside, IL.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, May 16, 2016 also Hallowell & James Funeral Home a committal service will follow at Mount Emblem Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2211 N Oak Park Ave, Chicago, IL 60707. Those wishing to share a memory or leave a condolence of Thomas online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Thomas was born July 7, 1935 in Auchinleck, Ayrshire, Scotland to Hugh W. and Elizabeth (Hamilton) Parker. He served in the Army National Guard and in the United States Army, during which time he completed his high school education and became a Naturalized Citizen. Thomas worked and lived in the Chicago area until he retired to live in Sister Lakes. He married Nancy Liska on September 8, 1990.Thomas was a very proud 43 year member of the Riverside Masonic Lodge #0862 in Riverside, IL. When he moved to Michigan he became a member the Masonic Lodge of Dowagiac Peninsular #10, he served as Worshipful Master for two terms and was Mason of the Year in 2003. Thomas was also a member of the Saladin Shriners Club in Grand Rapids, MI, where he was very involved in driving children to the Shriners Hospital in Oak Park, IL. Thomas is survived by his wife, Nancy of Sister Lakes, MI; his four children; Joel (Laura) Parker of Elburn, IL, Lisa (John Rivera) Parker of LaGrange, IL, Thomas Parker of Marseilles, IL and Dale Ann Parker of George, IA; step daughter, Sandi (Russ) Taylor of Rockfall, CT; six grandchildren, Jaye, Stephen, Rachel, John, Tyler and step granddaughter Teighen; eight great- grandchildren; a sister, Lynn (Ed) Sekula of Gallatin, TN and several nieces & nephews.  He is preceded in death by his brother, Hugh Parker and a sister, Margaret Pott; step- granddaughter, Olivia Taylor and the mother of his children, Joann Parker.