Charles L. Parker died on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012, at Hospice of North Idaho’s Hospice House. Charlie was born on May 10, 1932, in Worthington, Minn. His parents were Edna and Charles E. Parker, but he was mostly raised by his grandmother, Sadie Parker, in Brewster, Minn., where he had many good memories. He graduated from Worthington High School.

Charlie enlisted in the U.S. Army right after graduating and was a sergeant in the Korean War from January 1951 until September 1952. He earned the Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal Combat Infantry Badge.

Upon returning from the war, he married Marlene Bents on June 6, 1955, and had four children: Diane, Debra, David and Dean. His second marriage was to Frances Beck on Nov. 15, 1968.

Charlie was a meat cutter for 41 years in Minnesota, and then drove Jaguars for people for five years. In 1994 Fran and Charlie moved to Idaho to be with friends and bought a home in Hayden. Charlie was a member of the American Legion for 50 continuous years, as well as the VFW, the Shriners, Scottish Rites and was a 32nd degree Freemason. He loved golf, fishing, Vikings football and Twins baseball (Minnesota teams).

His survivors are his wife, Frances; four children, Diane McBride and Debra, David and Dean Parker; sister Jean Major; and brothers, Don, Doug and Gary Parker. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his mom and dad, and aunts and uncles.

Inurnment will be at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake. Arrangements are being handled by Yates Funeral Home. There will be a celebration of Charlie’s life for family and friends in May 2013. Donations may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID 83835.