Richard D. Parker, 91, of Rosebud, passed away peacefully at his home, Friday, Nov. 3, 2023.
He was born April 25, 1932, to Horace P. and Gladys L. (nee: Smith) Parker in St. Louis.
He had grown up in St. Louis and attended school at Hadley Technical School in St. Louis. After being educated, he had honorably served our country in the U.S. Army. While in the service, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Orlando, January of 1953. Together they were blessed with six children, Theresa, Rich, Ron, Sal, Kathy and Tina. They continued raising their family in the St. Louis area until relocating to Rosebud, in 1973.
Richard was a partner in the mechanical and electrical consulting firm of Londe-Parker, Inc. (LPI), based in St. Louis. The firm was well-known for their work in the late 1960’s with renowned architect Buckminster Fuller, to design the climatization at the Missouri Botanical Gardens, “The Climatron,” the first geodesic dome to incorporate multiple climates under one roof with no partitions. LPI also had designed the first swimming pool in the “Artic Circle,” as part of a base camp in the early days of the oil pipeline development in that region.
Parker was also instrumental in the designs of HVAC systems for Washington University in St. Louis, and Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, from the 1970’s–1990’s.
Richard was especially proud of his involvement, in the pioneering of the “Edgewood Program,” at St. John’s Mercy Hospital, along with his work projects for Barnes Hospital in St. Louis; and had spoken about both, often. His lengthy career had led him to design several pieces of medical equipment, for which he was granted various patents.
Later in his career, Parker was recognized as a “fixer,” often working on behalf of other design firms. His broad and endearing smile was genuine and sincere. Because of his ability to listen to individuals and their questions, he was able to resolve issues for those firms’ clients, making a potential unhappy client, totally satisfied.
Ultimately, he had crossed the country for several years in this role, enjoying both travel and the people whom he had met along the way.
Richard also had taught calculus at Washington University for a time.
Richard loved to trout fish and spend time with his family. Richard and his wife Patricia had completed many enjoyable trips together over the years.
He was preceded in death by parents, Horace and Gladys; grandchildren, Kathryn Parker, Joseph Parker and Nicholas Helton; and brothers, Gerald D. Parker, and James R. Parker.
He is survived by devoted wife of 70 years, Patricia; loving children, Theresa M. (Edward) Lipe of Sullivan, Richard D. Parker, Jr. of St. Charles, Ronald (Grace) Parker of Rosebud, Salvatore (Barbara) Parker, Kathleen M. Parker and friend Roger Enke all of Owensville, and Christine M. (Alexander) Dwyer of Rosebud; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; dear brother, Horace P. Parker, Jr.; dear brother-in-Law, Mark (Lois) Orlando; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
No services are planned at this time.
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.
