Ken Parker

Ken Parker, 79, of Hillsboro, MO, formerly from Piedmont, MO, passed away Sunday, June 13, 2021, at Delmar Gardens South Skilled Nursing Facility in St. Louis, MO. He was born on January 9, 1942, to Roy and Eva (Barker) Parker in Brunot, MO. Ken was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was a Christian and of the Baptist faith. He was united in marriage to Suzanne Wallis on January 31, 1964. They raised two children together. In his younger years Ken worked as a supervisor at Brown Shoe Company and International Hat Company in Piedmont, MO. On March 17, 1983, Ken and his partner Bill Banks bought the Chevrolet-Oldsmobile business in Fredericktown, MO, and formed Parker-Banks Chevrolet-Olds. In the following seven years, four more dealerships were added to their business. This resulted in the business being called Parker-Banks Chevrolet-Dodge-Plymouth-Chrysler-Jeep. He was well known during his professional career to be very supportive of the communities that his dealerships served, from sporting event sponsorships to people in need, Ken often filled the gap. He was also very active in the Missouri Automobile Dealers Association, serving as a statewide officer of the organization in several capacities.  Ken was in line to be state president of the association but declined the office to devote more attention to his businesses. He enjoyed traveling with his partner Bill and wife Joanne and his many dear friends that worked with him or had dealerships throughout the country. Ken also loved vacationing with his grandkids, family, and friends. Hunting and staying at deer camp with family were also special times for him. Ken was also a member of the Piedmont Country Club and Raintree Country Club where he played golf and had many happy times socializing with the community.

Kenny is survived by his wife Suzanne and their two children: Cathy Niewoehner and her husband Gene of Festus, MO, and Todd Parker and his wife Tammy of Springfield, MO. His grandchildren: Melyn and Reanne Niewoehner, and Cassie Reever; great-grandson, Corben Phillips. He is also survived by his brother, Gene Parker and wife Brenda of Brunot, MO; his sisters, Mary Funk and husband Doug of Annapolis, MO, and Jaunita Lewis of Fredericktown, MO; his nephews and nieces and their children. Brother-in-law, Don Wallis and wife Marilyn of Omaha, AR; and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law’s: Walter Lewis and Wayne Daugherty; sister-in-law, Lynn Daugherty.

Visitation for Kenny was held Saturday, June 19, 2021, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon, at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Services followed at noon also at Ruegg Funeral Home, Piedmont, MO. Burial followed at Beulah Cemetery near Brunot, MO. Pastor Fred Goad and Pastor Gerald Collier ministered to the family. Brad Parker, Scott Lewis, Justin Funk, Jason Funk, Jeremy Funk and Logan Daugherty served as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ALS association in Kenny’s honor, at The ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Blvd Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22209. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com