Earnest R. Parker

Earnest R. Parker, 88, of St. Jacob, Illinois, was born Thursday, May 30, 1935 in Benham, Kentucky and passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, February 24, 2024 in St. Jacob, Illinois.

Earnest graduated from Cumberland High School and Cumberland College in Kentucky, then earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Kentucky. He began his career as a research scientist with Dow Chemical in Zionsville, Indiana and later earned a master’s degree in public health from Indiana University. He spent 20 years in government service with the Indiana State Board of Health, followed by a career in regulatory affairs with Nestle Purina in St. Louis, Missouri and Trouw Nutrition in Highland, Illinois.

Earnest attended the First Baptist Church of O’Fallon, Illinois. He was a member of The Sons of the American Revolution and General Society of the War of 1812. He volunteered for “NICE” Nicaragua Christian Education Foundation and the St. Jacob Lions Club. He was a Master Gardener Alumni and enjoyed working in the garden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George E. and Glessie N. (nee Jones) Parker; and his brothers, Charles Parker and George Lloyd Parker.

Surviving are his wife, Anna M. (nee Wendler) Parker, whom he married January 11, 2003 in Edwardsville, IL.; his children, Bradley (Maria) Parker of Indian Land, SC, Jacob (Tracy) Parker of Crofton, MD, Diane Smogor of Indianapolis, IN, Mary Denise (Sean Croy) Parker of Indianapolis, IN and Jessica (Eric Gibson) Parker of Camdenton, MO and step-son, Jeffrey (Ashley Mosely) Hommert of Springfield, IL; his grandchildren, Evan Smogor, Sara Parker, Madison Parker, Benjamin Parker and Lucas Parker; his sisters, Betty Duff of Newark, DE, Natella (Michael) McCullough of Lebanon, IN, Patsy Waggoner of Indianapolis, IN and Loretta (Carleton Jackson) Carstens of Laurel, MD; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorials may be made to Family Hospice, 5110 W Main St, Belleville, IL 62226. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com.

Visitation will be held 1 to 2 pm on Friday, March 1, 2024, at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East, 10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN.

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm on Friday, March 1, at Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park East with Rev. Paul George officiating. Interment will follow in Washington Park East Cemetery.

Aebischer-Richeson Funeral Home, St. Jacob, IL