Gary Edson Parker, age 63, a resident of Wheaton, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, on Wednesday, July 29th, 2009 at Delnor Community Hospital in Geneva, IL. He was born April 11th, 1946 in Chillicothe, OH.

Gary was a graduate of New Mexico State University where he was a member of Sigma Chi. He was a Senior Environmental Engineer for de Maximis. Gary loved golf, reading, traveling, going to Galena, but most of all spending time with his family and playing with his grandkids.

He was a loving husband for 35 years to Catherine; a devoted father to Alicia and Ted Skodol of Wheaton; proud "Papa" to Dylan and Alexa; beloved son to Helen, nee Thomas, and the late Edson Parker; loyal brother to twin Larry (Brenda) and Janet (Dick) Harper; cherished son-in-law to Gene and Linda Ott and Jo Ott; caring brother-in-law to Chris (Sandy) Ott and the late Cynthia Ott Askew; uncle to many nieces and nephews; and dear friend to many.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 1st, 2009, at 3:00 P.M. at Gary United Methodist Church, 224 N. Main St., in Wheaton. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Gary Parker Memorial Fund at the LUNGevity Foundation, 435 N. LaSalle St., Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60654 (www.lungevity.org).

He will be deeply missed and always cherished. We love you Gary.