Richard Marvin Parker, 86, of Independence, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. Funeral services will be at 12:00 p.m. Monday, October 24, 2022 at Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, Missouri. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the funeral home. Burial to follow in Buckner Hill Cemetery, Buckner, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Fort Osage Education Foundation. Checks may be mailed to the foundation at 2101 N. Twyman Road, Independence, MO. 64058. Or donations can be made online: foeducationfoundation.org ~ please include Richard’s name in the memo.
Richard was born January 14, 1936 in Robinson, Kansas to Chester Norman and Anna Bertha (Kreuzburg) Parker. He was a basketball and baseball athlete at Highland Jr. College in Highland, KS. Richard received his Bachelor’s Degree from Kansas State Teachers College. On August 21, 1960 Richard was united in marriage to Lois Mason. He began his teaching career at a country school in Denton, Kansas at the age of 19. Richard later moved to Washington, Kansas and taught school there until 1965. He later moved to Buckner, Missouri in 1965 and taught and coached baseball, football, basketball, track and cross country at Fort Osage High School and Junior High. Richard was a member of Oak Grove Bible Church for 30 years. He was an avid outdoorsman, he loved to fish, hunt and garden. After his retirement he took up golf. Richard especially enjoyed watching his granddaughters in their activities.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lois Parker, in 2014; brother, Gerald Parker; and sister, Marilyn Joan Adams.
Richard is survived by his 2 children: son, Terry Parker (Kim) of Independence and daughter, Kim Phillips (Scott) of Blue Springs; 5 grandchildren: Samantha Parker (Eric) of Winter Garden, FL., Paige Parker of West Jordan, UT., Shayla Phillips of Blue Springs, Otizia Foster of Blue Springs, and Destinee Clark of Blue Springs.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441
John Schuler
21 Oct 2022Richard was my colleague and friend for over 20 years at Fort Osage. He and Lois were much beloved by everyone.
Cindy Francis
21 Oct 2022Rest in Peace dear Richard. I feel so blessed to have known you and Lois during my Fort time. I know she’s there to great you.
To his children and grandchildren I extend my prayers. Your parents were jewels and I loved the days when they were both in the building at OTMS.
Michael Lairmore Class of 1974
23 Oct 2022He was our cross country coach. His kindness and dedication to his role was apparent at each practice and meet. He care deeply for his students and athletes leading us to push ourselves to success on the field and in life.
June Jones
24 Oct 2022Richard, Lois, and I worked together at Fort Osage. My heart goes out to the family during this tough time. Having to say goodbye to a loved one is never easy. Prayers for the family.