Forrest Fred Parker was born July 16, 1930 in Marion County, Iowa the son of Earl and Margaret (Little) Parker.

He attended school in Bussey, Iowa. Fred enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951. He served nearly 4 years on the USS Bennington before his honorable discharge in November of 1954. Fred worked on his family farm near Bussey and later for Maytag in Newton. He was united in marriage to Shirley Akin in July of 1955 in Millington, Tennessee. Fred was later married to Marlene Smith in June of 1971 in Knoxville. Fred retired as a cook from the Knoxville V.A. Medical Center. Other than a brief time in Tennessee and his service in the Navy, Fred lived in Marion County, Iowa most of his life.

In his spare time, Fred enjoyed going to the Coffee Shop (McDonald’s) or visiting the family farm in Bussey. He was an accomplished woodworker who could create almost anything Marlene dreamed up for her crafting hobby. He was a proud grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was an active member of First Assembly of God, Knoxville, until it’s closing. He served on the board of the church, helping the congregation any time he could. If you knew Fred, you knew he was never wrong, and could make you laugh with a silly made-up song or jokes. We all loved his stories of growing up in the Bussey area...hunting, fishing, swimming in the creek, skipping school and farming the old homestead. Until the day he died, Bussey was paradise to him. His time in the Navy was also rich in hilarious stories that always entertained.

Fred passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026 at his home, in Knoxville, at the age of 96 years.

In addition to his parents, Fred was preceded in death by his wives; daughter, Nancy McCoy; grandson, Patrick McCoy and siblings: Myrna Spaur, Mary Wright, Sally Laird, William Parker, Lyle Parker, Dee Parker and Goldie Parker.

Those left to cherish Fred’s memory include his children: Howard Smith (Debbie) of Kansas City; Forrest Parker (Amy) of Sherman, Texas and Sharon Merin of Phoenix, Arizona; 11 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Tom Parker of Bussey, Iowa and many other family members and friends.

Memorials may be made to the family to be designated at a later date.