Richard ‘Rick’ Parker

Richard (Rick) Parker, 76, of Greencastle, passed away Monday, Oct. 31, 2022 at Mill Pond Health Campus.

Rick was born in Greencastle Dec. 24, 1945, to the late George and Freda (Hurst) Parker of Belle Union.

He graduated from Filmore High School in 1964 and received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from Purdue University.

Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Vickie (Knoy) Parker; son Matt Helmer (Fawn); grandchildren Parker Helmer, Ally Taylor, Connor George and Becca George; sister Carol Conner; sister-in-law Beckie (Knoy) Nachtrieb (Mark); nephew Pat Connor (Sandi); nieces Anne Uberto (Brent), Kara Trimmer (Matt), Megan Nachtrieb and Kaitlin Nachtrieb; and six great-nieces and nephews.

After graduation from Purdue University, Rick returned to the Belle Union area to carry on the third generation of family farming.

He was an avid golfer, a longtime member of the Wednesday Inside Nine Only (WINO) Golf League, and a loyal and steadfast friend with those who shared the love of the game.

Rick was known for his persistence; he did not give up on a piece of broken equipment, a flooded field, his golf swing or even the Purdue basketball and football teams.

Through years of immense health challenges, he persevered. Rick was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a faithful friend to the lives he touched.

Visitation will be held Friday, Nov. 4 from 4-7 p.m. at Whitaker Funeral Home, Cloverdale.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. with burial following at Stilesville Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at www.whitakerfuneralhome.net.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Putnam County Community Foundation for the Rick and Vickie Parker Family Scholarship Fund. Online gifts can be given via https://putnamccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1140