Russell Parker, Jr.

Russell J. "Russ" Parker, Jr., age 79, of Toledo, passed away Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at St. Vincent Mercy Medical Center. He was born on November 27, 1926 to Russell J. and Mary Parker, Sr. Russ was a member of the Teamsters, VFW Post #606 and the Arrowclub. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in World War II. Russ worked at Autolite for over 10 years, and then was a truck driver with Butler's Trucking Company for over 25 years, until retiring in 1980. After retiring, he opened the Buffalo Café, which he owned and operated for 10 years.

In addition to his parents, Russ was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Parker, sons, Russell J. "Rusty" Parker, III, Gregory K. Parker, and Dennis "Puma" J. Parker and sister Pat Berning. Russ is survived by his daughters: Carol Rutkowski and Paula Parker; son: Paul (Vicki) Parker; daughters-in-law: Patricia Diehl, Kathy Parker and Robin Parker; 13 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister: Marylou Papenfuss.

The family will receive guests on Friday, September 1, 2006 in the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4150 W. Laskey Rd., (419-473-0300) from 3 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral Services will begin Saturday at 9:15 a.m. in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:00 a.m. in St. Catherine Church of Siena, 4555 North Haven. Officiating will be Fr. Gary Walters. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions are asked to consider the family or a charity of the donor's choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.newcomerfamily.com