John M. Parker, 88, a resident of the Concrete community, passed away on Wed., Feb. 27, 2013, at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham.

John was born on March 24, 1924, in Beaumont, Texas, where he was raised and attended school.

In 1941, at the age of 17, John enlisted into the U.S. Navy, proudly serving his country for nearly 13 years during WW II and the Korean Conflict.

While stationed in Seattle for ship maintenance, John met Joyce House, and after a very brief courtship they were married on Jan. 21, 1946, a union that lasted for 50 years until her death in 1996.  After his discharge in 1953, they made their home in the Ballard area of Seattle and John worked as a heavy equipment mechanic on the docks for over 35 years. In 1989 they moved to Skagit County.

John enjoyed assembling model airplanes and watching sports, but mostly enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his sons Darrell and his wife, Julie, of Mount Vernon and Dale and his daughter, Sheila Daves, and her husband, Gene, of Mount Vernon; grandchildren Dan Shaffer, Douglas Shaffer, Ron Parker, Darrin Laurin, Shelly Early, and Stephanie Mentis; 11 great-grandchildren; and several brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Sharon Cabana.

Private family services will be held on his birthday in March. Memorials are suggested to the Helping Hands Food Bank.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of John and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com.