Turlock

Cleo E Parker, 88, entered into rest on January 4th, 2012 in Turlock, CA.  He was born on October 4th, 1923 to Henry Clay and Mary Ryan Parker in Scraper, Oklahoma.  He was the youngest of eight children and was preceded in death by his parents and siblings.  He moved to California as a young man in the 1930’s, working on farms while living in Madera and Vernalis before settling in Turlock in the early 1940’s.  
Cleo proudly served his country from 1943 to 1945 in the US Army. He served as a forward observer in the 1st Field Artillery Battalion during WWII combat operations in North Africa, the Italian Campaign, including the Battle of Monte Casino where his unit was awarded the Croix de Guerre.   He also served in combat in southern France and Germany as well as the Army of Occupation after the war. 
Returning from the war, Cleo began working in the poultry industry in Turlock.  He worked in various management positions in the industry for over 42 years, being employed at Armour Foods, Nulaid Foods, Norbest and finally ending his career when he retired from Valley Fresh, Inc. in 1988.
Cleo was an avid hunter, fisherman, and gardener and enjoyed spending time with his siblings, brothers-in-law, and extended family.
He is survived by his wife of almost 66 years, Oma Parker, his children, Bruce Parker, Jerry (Carol) Parker, and Jeanette (Wade) Cockrell.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. 
Visitation will be on Monday, January 9th at Turlock Memorial Park & Funeral Home from 3 pm to 6 pm.  Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, January 10th at 11 am at Turlock Memorial Park.  Please leave your condolences at www.TurlockMemorialPark.com.
 
Turlock Journal
Saturday, January 7, 2012