CHUCK PARKER

LAMAR- Services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at Daniel Funeral Home for Charles H. Parker, 64, Lamar, who died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin, following a long illness. Visitation will be held prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parker family or National Kidney Foundation, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.danielfuneralhome.net.

Survivors include his son, Chad Parker and fiance Casey, Lamar; two daughters, Heather Althouse and husband Jim, Olathe, Kan. and Kassi Parker and fiance Mark, El Dorado Springs; two brothers, Will Parker and wife Betty, Lamar and Frank Ambler and wife Michelle, Belton; nine grandchildren, Joseph Overturf, Kylie Davey, Ariel and Bryce Althouse, Brittany and Josh Schweitzer, Lynzi, Blake and Carly Taylor and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James Parker.

Mr. Parker was born Sept. 6, 1953, in Kansas City, Mo., to Sandy and Violet (Carmack) Ambler. Over the years he had been a truck driver, delivering lumber for Tapjac, mail for the postal service and propane for home heating services. He had also worked off and on as a tree trimmer. His mental and physical strength, tenacity and work ethic enabled him to meet challenges head-on and he was always willing to stand for what he considered important. An avid outdoorsman, a great day for him would be one spent on his Harley-Davidson or at a favorite fishing spot while camping at the lake. He held a fascination with trains and never lost his interest in learning, whether it was through time spent in nature, a documentary or infomercial on television, or a lively conversation with friends.