Albert Willard Parker

Albert Willard Parker, ladies' man, office supply aficionado, and lover of Fig Newtons has died at the age of 88. His spirit was released on Sunday, March 10th @ 12:01am.

There was a conversation that happened in his room about whether or not one could hear after no longer being responsive. Also discussed was the fact that Saturday is the most common day to die. He was lovingly encouraged to let go, to rest, to be peaceful. So, by Al holding on until 12:01 Sunday morning, it made it easy to see that yes, yes you can hear during the letting-go process. In true Al fashion, he decided not to participate in the ever-popular Saturday passing. He went out his way, on his terms, having the last little chuckle.

Al leaves behind a dysfunctional family that he loved dearly and was very proud of. He adored, admired, and bragged about them every chance he got. His son David, his daughter Jennifer and her husband Keith, his grandson Blake and his love Angelina, and his granddaughter Audessa, love and miss him already. (as well as his shenanigans)

He never napped. He rested his eyes. There's apparently a difference.

He is probably out there somewhere enjoying some of his favorite foods. Peanut butter, strawberries, salmon, bananas, almond milk, dark chocolate, red wine, popcorn & Raisin Bran were all at the top of his list. We wouldn't doubt it if he was making one of his epic concoctions by combining most or all of these things together. We aren't joking. His culinary skills were unmatched. Thankfully.

Fun Fact: AAA will NOT come to your house and get your riding lawn mower "unstuck".

Al had many different jobs. He once owned and operated a donut shop. He was co-owner of the family business, Parker Hardware. He also worked for Conoco Oil and Mutual Of Omaha, finishing up at Quality Car Wash Systems. (great company. Obviously his favorite) He then retired and spent lots of time gardening, flirting, researching, writing, more flirting, and enjoying his grandkids, Blake and Audessa.

Al also served in the Air Force, which he took great pride in. He earned Airman of the Month during his time at McClellan Air Force Base. That accomplishment was a cherished memory that he spoke of often.

He TRULY believed that pockets were meant to be filled. Most often, with snacks.

He found great joy in making people smile and laugh. He lived for it. He never fully bought into the idea of adulthood. He had a child-like, fun-loving attitude. For instance, he would put dog treats on the blades of his ceiling fan, then turn it on to watch his dog Jill run around and collect them all.

He despised green beans. It's important. He hated them THAT much.

You have not fully experienced karaoke unless you've witnessed Al doing it. He was hands down the most entertaining karaoke performer that ever was. The man had groupies. He could take a popular song and sing it in a way that it was unrecognizable. The crowd would go wild. It didn't matter what he sang. (or chanted) Everyone in the room had a good time.

Contrary to popular belief, he was, in fact, NOT sufficiently satiated.

Al taught us many things. Be the first one to smile, being kind is more important than being right, and if something doesn't close the first time, slam it shut repeatedly until it stays closed.

He would never leave the house without a fully-loaded pocket protector. He constantly took notes for the books he was writing. It was a lifelong passion of his. So was story-telling. He was a member of Toastmasters International and earned countless awards. Blake and Audessa each earned story-telling awards during their preschool graduations. It's starting to all make sense now, isn't it?

A sincere thank you goes out to the amazing staff at Clarion Healthcare and Rehabilitation for the love and care they gave to Albert. Words can't ever express the gratitude we have for them. Thank you to Marianne Family Practice (now BHS) for being wonderful with him through the years. They always wanted what was best for him and took great care to make sure he had what he needed. Thank you to the nurses from Aseracare Hospice for showing him so much love and care during his last week. Everyone worked together to make his last days and hours as peaceful and comfortable as possible and we are forever grateful.

Thanks for everything, Dad. Yes, even the ADHD. Not everyone gets to have a dad, a friend, and that "crazy uncle" all rolled into one. Life won't have the same level of spicy-nutty-pizazz without you. My heart is broken. But, the memories, and knowing you're free now, will help heal it. Love you. - Jen, your favorite daughter

Burial will be private and there will be a celebration of his life at a later date for family and friends. No need to send flowers. We do ask that you do a random act of kindness (or 10) when the spirit of Al propels you. Call (or text, because calling for some of us is rough) a friend that you haven't spoken to in awhile. Offer to babysit for a friend (because offering to babysit a random stranger's kid might not be received well). Bring a few dozen treats to your local nursing home and personally hand them out. Tell someone they are beautiful, you like their hair, or they rock that shirt. Please just brighten someone's day and send a little hello his way. 

Faller Funeral Home, Inc. will be caring for the family.  Please visit www.fallerfuneralhome.com to leave a condolence and also share memories of Al.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Albert Willard Parker, please visit our floral store.