Neil E. Parker

Neil E Parker passed away on March 29, 2023, in Delta, Colorado. He was born on July 13, 1939, in Waulkee, Iowa. He was the oldest of four children: Dee Winchell, Janet Lemon and Tom Parker.

Neil married Annita (Annie) Sandoval on February 3, 1963. Together they had two children Patricia Penfield (Andy) and Kathryn Mordhorst (James).

Neil proudly served our country for ten years in the Navy, as well as twelve years in the Air Force. He retired in 1979 with an honorable discharge.

After retiring from the military, Neil worked for Universal Transport as night manager for eleven years.

While working at UTI, he attended Black Hills State University, graduating in 1990, with a degree in Teaching. He then became a safety inspector for Federated Insurance for five years. He went on to substitute teach in North Dakota and Montana for several years. He also did farm work in Baker, Montana and Marmarth, North Dakota.

Neil’s true love was gun smithing. He spent much of his time hunting and shooting, a love he was blessed to share with his children and six grandchildren. An avid reader and true composer of puns, Neil was a lover of words written and spoken. They say when someone like Neil passes, a library is lost and volumes of wisdom and knowledge are gone. The quickest way to Neil’s heart was a long talk over a boardgame. If a fellow friend was in need of help, from building to farm work, Neil was able to deliver it.

A traveler of the world, who lived in Japan and England, Neil was never more animated than when telling of swimming in The Mariana Trench. He wrapped up his world adventures in Eckert, Colorado to be closer to family. To say Neil will be missed is an understatement, but he will live on through his wife, children, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. We love you, Neil.