HOLLIS- Everett Robert Parker Sr., 95, Maine died peacefully in his home in the early morning of July 24, 2024. He was born August 1, 1928, in Somerville, MA to Leon and Gladys Temple Parker, one of nine children. He moved to East Waterboro, ME in 1935 where he graduated from Waterboro High School in 1948.
After high school he worked in the woods horse logging and taking odd jobs until he joined the U.S. Navy. Where he served on the U.S.S. Gilbert Islands (CVE-107), Escort Carrier, and the U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18), Aircraft Carrier. He was on the U.S.S. Wasp (CV-18) Aircraft Carrier during the collision with the U.S.S. Hobson on April 26, 1952. He often recalled that night describing the collision and trying to help save as many men off the U.S.S. Hobson as possible. The Hobson was split in half, sinking it in just four minutes, taking the lives of 176 shipmates. Only 61 survived. Everett was honorably discharged in 1953.
Following his service to our country Everett continued his education at East Coast Aero Tech in Bedford, Massachusetts, obtaining his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License. He was employed for many years at GTE Sylvania in Waterboro, Maine, as a machinist, until he retired in 1986. He then worked at Intermat / FiberMaterials, Inc. until he retired again in 2005.
Anyone who knew Everett knew he was a hard-working man. His family recalls him often working two or more jobs, in and out of state at times. Everett was a provider solely for the purpose of supporting his family and to help others. He did not work for accolades or to become rich, he did it because it was the right thing to do. For example, moving his disabled sister to his house so that he and Shirley could make sure she had appropriate medical care and could live a full life, or volunteering to cut a local elderly person’s firewood for several seasons after he had learned her season’s firewood had been stolen. It would be impossible to list all he helped.
He loved working and training horses, farming, camping, canoeing, hunting, hiking, cards, and playing the harmonica. Being slightly competitive, he loved being in leagues such as golf, horseshoes, bowling, and Archery. At age 64 he earned his black belt in Tae-Kwon-Doe, where he got his nickname “Hammer”. Later in life he enjoyed learning how to line and square dance. He particularly loved being in his grandchildren’s and great grand children’s lives and was so proud of all of them.
Everett was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Shirley; brothers Wilbur, Bill, Eddie and Raymond; sisters Lillian, Evelyn and Leone. He is survived by one brother, James Parker; sons Everett (Vicky Edgerly) Parker Jr., Clayton (Mary) Parker and Aaron; daughter Stacie (Rodney) Walker; nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; five step-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Plains Road, Hollis, Maine on August 24, 2024, at 10:00am.
Memorial contributions may be made to Sustainable Forest Initiative of Maine, the Maine Tree Foundation, or the National Eagle Scout Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com