Claude Parker, 89 / May 9, 1922 — March 13, 2012

Published 11:04 pm Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Claude Parker, 89

May 9, 1922 — March 13, 2012

Claude E. Parker, 89, of South Third Street, Niles, died Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Heritage Nursing Home & Rehabilitation in Zeeland.

He was born May 9, 1922, in Vandalia to Leo and Elizabeth (Hadden) Parker.

Claude was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during World War II, and a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Niles, where he served as a deacon and as an usher. He was a graduate of Worsham College of Mortuary Science and became a licensed funeral director in 1951. He began his career in funeral service with McLauchlin Funeral Home in Dowagiac, then opened a funeral home in Sturgis with Dowagiac native Joe Mallow. He also worked for the Kiger-Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles. In 2001 he was honored for 50 years as a mortuary science licensee. He was also employed by the Niles Community Schools for 15 years, retiring in 1987, and in retirement he delivered flowers for East Main Gardens.

Claude was a member of the Dowagiac Elks Club, a 60-year member of the Dowagiac Masonic Lodge 10, F.&A.M., and a member of Niles American Legion Post 26. He was a member and past-president of the Cass County Historical Society and the Niles Historical Society.

On May 28, 1949, in Niles, he married Charlene Myers, who preceded him in death on July 24, 2001. From their union survives son, Thomas (and wife Beth) Parker of Zeeland, Mich. Claude is also survived by brother, Joe Parker, of Irving, Texas, and sister, Marion Parker, of Roxboro, N.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Mabel Parker.

Funeral services for Claude will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17, at First Presbyterian Church in Niles with the Rev. Janet VanLear of Buchanan officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Dailey Cemetery in Cassopolis.

In Zeeland, the family will receive relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at Second Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Claude E. Parker may be made to The Foundation of the First Presbyterian Church, Niles, or to Second Reformed Church Music Fund in Zeeland.