Louie Ray Parker

Louie Ray Parker was born November 15, 1935, in Greeley, Missouri to Ray Bernard and Esther Virginia (McDaniel) Parker. Louie grew up on the family farm in Greeley. He graduated with the class of 1953 from Salem High School. Louie entered the United States Army National Guard and served his country faithfully until his honorable discharge in the late 1960s. For his faithful service, Louie earned many decorations, medals, ribbons, and awards to include sharpshooter. He obtained rank of Captain of the unit in Salem, Missouri. Louie married the love of his life, Cleota Faye Bays, April 5, 1958, in Birch Tree, Missouri, and together they shared sixty-four years of marriage and were blessed with two daughters: Lisa and Lori. Louie treasured his family and loved making memories with them. He cherished his grandchildren and adored his great-grandchildren. Louie was a devoted husband, caring father, loving grandfather, and doting great-grandfather. During his working years, Louie was employed as a garment factory mechanic. He was gifted with a mechanical engineering mind and could repair and design anything. Louie started with Barad's Lingerie and later moved to Tennessee for Todd Uniform, which allowed him to travel to Costa Rica. Louie was passionate about antique firearms, longrifles, and powder horns. He really liked the early 1800s and Revolutionary War era. Louie had a special talent with firearms and enjoyed restoring them for himself and others. For the past twenty years, he owned and operated Restorations and Antiques LLC. Louie was a member of the Kentucky Rifle Association and Contemporary Longrifle Association. Louie departed this life October 19, 2022, in Cape Girardeau, MO at the age of eighty-six years. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his loving wife: Faye of Jackson, MO; daughters: Lisa Parker of Jackson, MO and Lori Devoti and husband Steve of Madison, WI; grandchildren: Jessica Van Deusen, Lacey Dieffenbach, Scout Devoti, and Vince Devoti; great-grandchildren: Connor, Keegan, and Jackson; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding him in death were his parents: Ray and Esther Parker and brother: Wendell Parker. Louie leaves behind a legacy of love and a well-lived life. He will be forever missed by those who loved him most. Graveside Services for Louie Ray Parker were held Sunday, October 23, 2022 in the Upper Indian Creek Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers were Josh Wills, Connor VanDeusen, Keegan Hinkle, Logan Nothaus, Kelly Parker, and Braxton Parker. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Louie Ray to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Louie Ray Parker

November 15, 1935 - October 19, 2022