Thomas Parker died peacefully in his sleep on February 11, 2023, while in the care of Hospice of VA. He was 96 years old, living a long and active life.
Tom was born to Henry and Laura Rita (LaFrance) Parker in their home on January 20, 1927, in Forestdale VT. He was the seventh of eight children. He had 5 brothers—Bernard, Paul, Marvin, James, and Osborn (George)—and two sisters, Madeline and Teresa. He attended school in Forestdale and graduated from Brandon High School in 1946. He played baseball, was a member of 4H and worked on a farm during his school years. Growing up during the Depression, he was a frugal man who worked hard and saved for everything he owned. Tom married Arlene Lucille Davis on July 2, 1950. He enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1951 and served in the tank division during the Korean War. Upon his return from the military, he was employed by Central VT Public Service (now Green MTN Power) as a lineman. Tom and Arlene adopted two children: Janine Marie and Roderick Thomas. He was an active member of the Moose Club. He enjoyed all outdoor activities including hunting and fishing; music and dancing; and scavenging a good dump site. He loved to pitch horseshoes. He retired to his log cabin in Sudbury, VT in 1988. Upon his retirement, he and Arlene traveled in their RV, until her death on January 24, 1993. Tom traveled alone until he married Lucile Mary Chamberland on August 3, 1996. Together they traveled and finally settled in Dade City, Florida, until her death on February 20, 2014. Tom moved to Roseboro, NC in January 2016 to live with his daughter and granddaughter. Together they moved to Wake ,VA in December 2019, to be closer to Sarah. He entered assisted living in November 2021 because of declining mobility.
Thomas is survived by his daughter Janine Marie of Vermont; his sister Teresa Curran of Colorado; his daughter-in-law Susan Parker of Florida; 6 grandchildren: Christopher Parker, Jennifer Pabon (Rafael), Roderick Parker, Jr (Natasha), all of Florida, Joshua Parker-Moulton (Saddie) of Vermont, Sarah Parker-Moulton, and Nicole Moller, both of Virginia; great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.
He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Rita Parker, 5 brothers—Bernard, Paul, Marvin, James, and Osborn Parker; a sister, Madeline Meixell; his two wives, Arlene Davis and Lucile Chamberland; and his son, Roderick Parker.
The graveside committal service and burial, with military honors, will be held at a later date, at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Brandon.
Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in his memory to Green Mountain Self Advocates, by check to: 2 Prospect Street #6, Montpelier, VT 05602 or online at www.gmsavt.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon.
