Clarence H. Parker of New Berlin, NY passed away peacefully on June 27, 2016 at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich, NY. Clarence was born on May 11, 1927 in Sulphur, Oklahoma, the son of Clarence and Bessie May (Myers) Parker.
Clarence graduated from Sulphur High School and Oklahoma State University A& M College. He majored in Forestry.
Clarence moved to Washington, D.C. after he graduated from college. He worked for the Dept. of the Navy, and as a dance instructor at Arthur Murray Dance Studio. He met his future wife, Doris Knights, at a dance.
Clarence and Doris were married on April 22, 1954, in Galway, N.Y. Clarence and Doris moved to Sodus, NY where Clarence began his career for the Federal government as a Soil and Water Conservationist. He worked in Sodus, Herkimer and finally Norwich. He retired in 1982.
Clarence is survived by his children, Susan Parker, Gwen (Mark) Haycook, and Robert (Karen) Parker, all of New Berlin, as well as a daughter in law, Marianne Parker , of Chittenango. Clarence is also survived by his grandchildren, Sarah, Michael (Kelly) and James Parker; Justin (Brittney) and Christine Anderson; Benjamin, Bethany and Kurt Haycook; and Jedidiah Parker; as well as great-grandchildren Ava and Austin Baker; Joseph Anderson and Olivia Anderson. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Shirley MacMillin of Saratoga Springs. Several nieces and nephews survive as well as his special pet, Shelly.
Clarence was predeceased by his wife, Doris, and son, Les; as well as his sisters Lucy and Betty Parker of Ada, Oklahoma and Etoy (David) Hager of Morton, Illinois.
Clarence’s loves were his family, reading, gardening, hunting, fishing, camping and backpacking in the Adirondacks. Clarence enjoyed making maple syrup and spending time with his family in the syrup house.
Funeral services will be on Saturday July 2, 2016 at 11:00 am at the Dakin Funeral Home LP in New Berlin.
Memorial contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church in New Berlin or the Adirondack Mountain Club.
The family would like to thank Alette Davidson, the New Berlin Ambulance Squad and the staff of the ICU at Chenango Memorial Hospital in Norwich for their care of Clarence.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.dakinfuneralhome.com.