Lester Paul Parker, 78 of rural Flat Rock, IL, died at Crawford Memorial Hospital in Robinson, IL, Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 7:30 a.m. He was born July 1, 1926 in Flat Rock, the son of Thomas Lester Parker and Edith Magill Parker.

Paul was an electrician, working for at the Ford Motor Co. in Chicago Heights. Upon his return to Crawford County, he worked for L. S. Heath and Sons and then worked as an electrician in construction through the Electrician's Local #725 in Terre Haute, IN. He served in the U. S. Navy in the Far East with the Pacific Fleet during WWII. He was a member and past Commander of the Tinley Park American Legion and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132 and the Robinson V. F. W. Post #4549. He was a member of the Flat Rock Masonic Lodge, a member of the Danville Consistory, a member of the Ainad Shrine and the Crawford County Shrine Club. He was one of the original organizers of the Crawford County Shrine Honor Guard.

He married Camilla Joyce Miller on June 8, 1951 and she survives. He is also survived by 4 children and their spouses; Sharon and Bob Patterson, Midvale, UT, Brad Parker, Jacksonville, FL, Elaine and Larry Rodgers, Flat Rock, Randy and Dana Parker, Longview, TX; 8 grandchildren, Andrew Patterson, Brian Patterson, Wesley Paul Parker, Kensey Rodgers, Casey White, Jameson Parker, Branden Parker, and Blake Parker; his brother, Joe Parker, Evansville, IN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 1 brother, Bob Parker and 1 sister, Mildred Love.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 16th at 1:30 p.m. at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock. Burl Rich is in charge of services. Burial is in Jones Cemetery, rural Flat Rock. Visitation is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, October 15th. Military graveside services will be conducted by the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children with envelopes available at the funeral home.