Redding

Dana Parker, 81, was born in Scraper, OK. The family moved to CA in 1935 during The Dust Bowl era, living in Central Valley then moving to Pacheco, CA during the war. Family moved to Turlock and Dana graduated from Turlock High School in 1948 where he played quarterback and defense back on their outstanding football team. He also pitched on the baseball team. Dana married Sharon Julien in 1950 and had two children, son Mark and daughter Lynn.
Dana drafted into the Army in 1950 during the Korean War and was in heavy mortars then as a foreign observer.  Honorable discharged as a Sergeant in 1952 and then he worked for Purity Stores in Turlock, CA. He moved to Atwater, CA in 1957 opened and managed C&C Markets, joined Mothers Cookies in 1963, and retired in 1994 with top sales in the state.
Married Marjorie Watkins February 25, 1978 and gained 2 more children son Michael Watkins and daughter Michelle Watkins.
Dana was an avid archer most of his life winning many tournaments including State Bow Hunter and placed in the nationals in Las Vegas, NV. He also did field trails with his very talented Brittany Spaniel, Mimi, winning many trophies.   Dana and Marjorie moved to Redding in 2002.
Dana was preceded in death by his mother and father Lonnie and Lora Parker, brother Leo Parker, grandson Robert Parker and daughter Michelle Mikl.   
He is survived by his beloved wife Marjorie Parker, sons Mark Parker of Clark Fork, ID and Michael Watkins and Lavel Brady of Tampa, FL, daughter Lynne Parker of Fresno, CA, daughter-in-law Lisa Crudo of Castro Valley, CA, son-in law Garrick Mikl of Balsam Lake, WI, grandchildren Michael Watkins and Rita, Laura Hohn and husband Matt, Martin Watkins, Damien Watkins, Amanda Granger, Kristy Mikl, Jacob Mikl, Michael Parker, Jessica Parker, great grandchildren Niko, Max and Theo Icardo, and Madisyn Parker.
Service for Dana will be held Friday, September 23, at 2:00 pm at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery 11800 Gas Point Road, Igo, CA.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obituaries.redding.com

Turlock Journal
Saturday, September 10, 2011