Robert Leslie "Les" Parker

     Robert Leslie “Les” Parker, 104, of Chillicothe passed away at 9:17AM Saturday October 5, 2024 at his residence following an illness.

     He was born on July 25, 1920 in Ross County to the late Frank G. and Elizabeth J. Burton Parker. On December 24, 1941 he married the former Virgina L. Bethel who died January 31, 1996. On March 1, 2018, he married Betty M. Stevens who survives.

     In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Jennifer L. (Donald) Aquino, of Chillicothe, a son-in-law Delmar H. Burkitt, of Piketon, grandchildren Amelia V. (Edward) Dickens, Nathan T. Burkitt, Emily S. (Brock) Fields, and Adam C. Aquino, great grandchildren, Jasmine A. Fields, Virginia M. Dickens, Olivia M. Dickens, Samuel A. Fields, and Isaiah A. Fields and several nieces and nephews.  

     In addition to his parents and his wife, Virginia, he was preceded in death by a daughter Jeannine L. Burkitt, longtime friend Bonnie Graves and brothers Shelton M. Parker, Harry E. Parker, and William Gerald Parker.

     Les was a United States Army veteran who served as a tank commander during WWII.  He was a member of the 736th Tank Battalion and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for gallantry in combat in the attack on Horne, Germany on April 4, 1945. He was employed by the Mead Corporation as an electrician; and retired, following thirty-eight years of service.

     Les lived a full life.  He enjoyed gardening, fixing any and all things, square dancing, which he did until his late 90’s, attending military reunions and traveling with family and friends.

     Les was a member of the American Legion Post 757, American Legion Post 62, VFW Post 108 and AMVETS Post 4.  He attended Liberty Hill Christian Union Church and Three Locks Church.

     Funeral Services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, October 14, 2024 at the Ware Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Hartley and Pastor Jim King officiating.  Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery where military graveside rites will be conducted by the Ross County Veterans Honor Guard.  Visitation will be held at the WARE FUNERAL HOME from 12 noon to 2 p.m. prior to the service on Monday.  A Masonic Service will be held at the end of calling hours.   

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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