Obituary – Shirley D. Parker
Shirley D. Parker was born to Leona May and Columbus McLaughlin on Nov 9, 1934, in Bloodland, MO. She departed this earth on Dec 14, 2024, at 90-years-old. The youngest of seven children, Shirley was born during a time of family tragedy, with her two brothers and her dad suffering from typhoid. Her brothers succumbed to the disease within two weeks of her birth, and the family claims the only thing that kept her dad alive was their new baby (thus, they nicknamed her the “Miracle Baby.”) Her younger brother, Warren, named her “Shirley Darline” before his death.
Shirley grew up on a farm in Palace, Mo. Being 15-years younger than her next living sibling, she grew up like an only child, but with lots of attention from her four doting elder sisters. Her family was forced to sell their farm to Fort Leonard Wood for the fort expansion following WW2, and the family moved to another farm in Licking, Mo. There she graduated from high school and spent the majority of her life.
Shirley graduated third in her class at Licking High School and attended Draughon’s Business College in Springfield, Mo., for two years following high school. She quit college to start a clerical job at Intercounty Electric, in Licking, Mo.
She met Louis Parker, of Licking, Mo., while he was performing in a singing quartet in town. The quartet was performing the song “The Man on the Flying Trapeze” in long red underwear, jumping from table to table as they sang. He made quite the impression, and they married in 1956. They bought the farm in Licking from Shirley’s parents where they raised their only child, Linda, who was born in 1966.
Shirley was very active in her community. She was a member of the Licking United Methodist Church, Eastern Star (where she achieved the office of Worthy Matron), and was a founding member of the ladies’ Fidelis Club. Shirley was known for her strong Christian faith, giving spirit, and her excellent cooking. She and Louis loved hosting people at their house for card parties, club parties, epic Halloween parties, meals, etc. People felt comfortable just dropping in for a visit and food was always involved.
In 2009, Shirley and Louis moved to Grayslake, Ill., to be closer to Linda and her family. They enjoyed being involved in their granddaughter, Rachel’s life. Unfortunately, Louis passed away when Rachel was only four, but Shirley was able to enjoy 18 years with Rachel. Family and friends defined Shirley’s life. They were everything to her. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She will be truly missed by all who knew her loving spirit.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, her parents, three of her four sisters, and two brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Linda Garich (husband Russ), granddaughter Rachel Garich, sister Hazel Wade (age 105), of Calif., and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley’s memorial service will be held at the Licking United Methodist Church on Saturday, June 21, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to Licking United Community Help Center, 209 Park Street, Licking, Mo.
