Ronald Lee Parker, 82, of Buffalo Prairie, joined our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 27, 2023, at Zion Lutheran Church, Taylor Ridge.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.  Burial is at Zion Lutheran Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Ronald was born on June 23, 1940 in Moline, the son of Harlan and Francis Parker.  He married Leta Dusenberry on February 14, 1991 in Rock Island.  Ron was a proud veteran serving in the U.S. Army, 25th Infantry Division, "Tropic Lightning."  Ron worked for Oscar Mayer and Rockridge School District.  He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church, and recently became a Sunday School Superintendent.  Ron and Leta, also used to paint the lines at the school football field.  He was a fan of the Fighting Illini, Cubs, and Packers.  Ronald enjoyed fishing, gardening, and drag racing in which he was particularly fond of Chevy's and Kawasaki's. He was always making friends and never knew a stranger.  When his kids were younger, he coached their baseball and football teams.  Most of all he loved spending time with his family, his loyal dog "Chips," and especially enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids WIN!

Ronald is survived by his wife, Leta Parker; children, Shelly, Scott (Dawn), Kevin (Christy), and Rebecca (Rick Gillis); step children, Rebecca (Ed VanderJagt) and Chris (Martin); grandchildren Melanie, Kelly, Samantha, Calvin, Abigail, Shane, and Shannon; step grandsons Brady and Darius; great granddaughter, Braylee; and brother, Roger (Carol).  He was preceded in death by his parents; son Kelly Parker; grandson Brock Parker; and siblings Bruce Parker, Nancy Bell, and Debbie Aitken.