Howard Leroy Parker, 76, of Waldoboro, passed away peacefully at Maine Medical Center on Jan. 9 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Island Falls on Aug. 9, 1935, the son of the late Ensley and Elmira Russell Parker. He grew up in Island Falls and in his teenage years moved to Waldoboro where he set roots and lived for the rest of his days.
In his younger years he would work with his father in the woods gathering stories about the log yards that he would later pass on to his children and grandchildren. He worked for over 30 years at Bath Iron Works doing duties that ranged from supervising to an outside machinist. His son-in-law Clinton said that he was the first supervisor he had at BIW.
He enjoyed being outdoors and he had a love for hunting and fishing. When fishing he enjoyed fishing for Brook Trout, trudging through the woods with a cigar in his mouth to try and keep away the thousands of midges as he worked his way to his special spot. The night before hunting season he would gather with George, Leroy, and Clinton and plan out their first day spots which usually were just across the street from the house but they would have plans all over the table. On the morning of opening day they would all gather at his house where he would cook the traditional hunters’ breakfast before they headed out into the woods for the day. He was a family man through and through and enjoyed nothing more than when his grandkids would be at his house.
He was a member of the Waldoboro Sno Crawlers, and a lifetime member of the North American Hunting Club, and Bass Fishing Club. When he wasn’t outside, he could usually be found watching football, baseball or wrestling.
He was predeceased by his wife of 45 years Sarah Hoch; son, Leroy Parker; and grandson, Johnathan Parker.
Survivors include his son, George Parker and wife Pamela of Fairfield; daughter, Mary Collamore and husband Clinton Sr. of Waldoboro; sisters, Orfa Orff of Weatherford, Tex., Orrin Parker of Waldoboro, Mary Campbell of Waldoboro, and Sylvia Skidgel of Durham; brothers, Ensley “Tinker” Parker Jr. of Warren; grandchildren, Katie Deabler and husband Daren of Cushing, Bridget Parker of Tenants Harbor, Leroy Parker Jr. of Tenants Harbor, and Clinton “CJ” Collamore Jr. and wife Julie of Waldoboro; and five great-grandchildren.
Time of visitation 6-8 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 12 at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main St., Waldoboro. Funeral service 1 p.m., Fri., Jan. 13 at the funeral home with Rev. Seth Jones officiating. Burial will be at the Rural Cemetery in Waldoboro following the service.
You are invited to share your condolences, stories, photos, and memories with the family by visiting their Book of Memories page at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
The staff of Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services are caring for the family.