Bob Parker

Bobby “Bob” Gene Carl Parker, Sr. of Caro, age 93, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Timberline Lodge on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Bob was born on January 28, 1933, in Wappapello, MO, to the late Emmett and Goldie (Wisdom) Parker and was a 1949 graduate of Rombauer High School. A hard worker at his core, Bob started his working years loading railcars and farming before taking an apprenticeship as a tool and die maker. He worked as a machinist for Buick and Universal, as well as a handful of other independent shops throughout the region, concluding his career at Great Lakes Gauge in Bridgeport. Bob married Delores Burkell on March 14, 1952, and the couple would be blessed with a big, beautiful family left to carry on his legacy. She preceded him in death on September 22, 2002.

In his free time, Bob always stayed in motion. He kept countless animals on his hobby farm, spent endless hours outdoors hunting and trapping, and was an excellent sailor. He also enjoyed hitting the road and going on drives throughout the Thumb. Bob was helpful and giving to everyone, sharing his time, knowledge, and love with everyone around him. He could often be found chasing down his neighbors’ cows, helping them bale hay, or teaching his family the finer workings of countless tools and machines. It wasn’t in his nature to quit, and he was prepared and thorough. Bob was a good and loving father who was perceptive of the needs of others and had the perfect piece of advice or a joke to make you smile just to get you through your down days.

Bob is survived by children, Lori Zawerucha, Joe (Debbie) Parker, Mike (Cindy) Parker, Tina (Gordon) Long, Sheryl (Robert) Torres, and Bobby (Bernadette) Parker; twenty-four grandchildren; fifty-one great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; and siblings, Jimmy (Diane) Magill, David (Geneva) Magill, Betty (Dennis) Jones, Russell (Leasa) Parker, and Norma (Don) Koonce; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over 50 years, Delores; parents, Emmett and Lillie Parker and Goldie (Wisdom) and Howard Magill; son, James Parker; granddaughter, Deanna Parker; son-in-law, Thomas Zawerucha; and siblings, Eva Magill, Carl Parker, Glenna Fuhrman, Delphia Callahan, and Billie Lowe.

The family would like to give thanks to the caregivers, nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals for their loving and tireless support of Bob throughout the years. They would like to give a special thanks to the staff of Timberline Lodge for their care of Bob in his last days.

A funeral service for Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 14, 2026, at Ransford Funeral Home – Caro, 205 West Sherman Street, Caro, MI, with Pastor Roger Mosey officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, September 13, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home on Monday. Memorials may be made to the Saginaw Bay Community Sailing Association or Residential Hospice.