Idaho State Journal, 02/15/09
MONTPELIER — Freddie A. Parker, 85, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2009, at the Bear Lake Skilled Nursing Facility in Montpelier, Idaho, from complications due to medical problems.
He was born September 28, 1923, in Glenns Ferry, Idaho, to John Albert and Celia Parker. He graduated from Montpelier High School. After graduating from high school he was drafted into the military.
Freddie served in World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was a member of the 290th infantry regiment, which received an award from the French government for liberating France from German occupation. His unit received the Croix De Guerre. He also received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
After the military Freddie returned home and married Norma Ruth Sunderland. To this union was born a son, Gregory J. Parker. Norma passed away August 17, 1967.
Freddie started working in the family bakery in about 1950. He loved the bakery, and was famous for his hard rolls and doughnuts. He loved visiting with people over the counter, and with a cup of coffee everyone’s problems were solved. He worked the bakery until he was 80 years old. In 2005 he suffered major heart problems and the bakery had to be closed.
In 1968 Freddie met a widow, Verla Nye Parker, and fell in love with her. They were later married on January 21, 1969, in Elko, Nevada. He became a father to three other children, Steven Ronald, Kevin W., and Rhonda Armatage. He enjoyed teaching his sons, Greg, Steven, and Kevin, the ways of the bakery, and taught his daughter how to waltz. Fred and Verla loved dancing, working, and golfing together.
Freddie is survived by his wife, Verla Nye Parker, Montpelier; three sons, Gregory Parker, Montpelier, Idaho, Steven (Arlene) Armatage, Seattle, Wash., Kevin (Karen) Armatage, Bountiful, Utah.; one daughter, Rhonda (John) Gambling, Sharon, Idaho; one brother, Stanley W. Parker, Pocatello, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews; 11 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, parents, one brother, and one sister.
A funeral will be held at Matthews Mortuary in Montpelier, Idaho, on Friday, February 20, 2009, at 11 a.m. Interment will be at the Montpelier Cemetery with Military rights performed by the VFW.