Allen Thurston Parker, 85, of Mattapoisett, died December 17, 2014. He was the beloved husband of Shirley J. (Corey) Parker and the son of the late Mabel (Tripp) and Robert E. Parker.
Born and lived at Pine Hill Farm in Acushnet until joining the Army during the Korean conflict, served as a sergeant in the 325th Tank Battalion and after his discharge and marriage, lived in Fairhaven, Rochester and Mattapoisett. He was a descendant of Whaling Capt. George J. Parker and of Whaling Capt. John J. Parker.
He retired from AT&T in 1986 after spending many years with New England Telephone Company. Later he was assigned to Lucent Technologies as a retiree. He was one of the first Emergency Medical Technicians in Rochester and a volunteer for the fire department until moving to Mattapoisett. He also served as "Bake Master" for the Rochester Fireman's annual clambakes for many years and also the American Legion Post 280 clambakes in Mattapoisett.
A 7th degree member of the National Grange, Acushnet and Pomona Granges, past President of the Long Plain Museum and past President of the Bristol Life Members Telephone Pioneers of America and was honored to participate in their 1984 Olympic Torch Run. He was also a member of Old Dartmouth Historical Society, Gateway Treasure Hunter's
Club, Sippican Seniors of Marion, Royal Travelers, Brandt Beach Association and Descendant's of Whaling Masters and a volunteer to repair talking books for the Perkin's Institute for the Blind.
Survivors include his widow; his sons, Craig E. Parker and his wife Doreen of Rochester and Barry A. Parker and his wife Pauline of Fairhaven; grandchildren, Jennifer L. Parker and her husband, Shawn of Windham, New Hampshire and Michael R. Parker and wife, Rachel of Norfolk,Virginia; and great-grandaughter, Scarlett Avery Parker.
He was the brother of the late Raymond C. Parker and Earl F. Parker and the great-grandfather of the late Kara Avery Parker.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 19th from 3-7 PM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd., Route 6, Mattapoisett. His family will receive guests on Saturday morning, December 20th from 9 - 10 AM in the funeral home followed by his Graveside Service in Acushnet Cemetery at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Long Plain Museum, P.O. Box 30339, Acushnet, MA 02743.