Emmagene Ruth Parker, daughter of the late Homer and Mae (Gobble) Owen, was born Dec. 27, 1921, in Houston, and departed this life Sep. 5, 2020, at her home in Mountain Grove. She was 98 years, 8 months and 9 days of age.
Emmagene grew up in Houston. She graduated from Houston High School and then received her degree from what is now Missouri State University. She was united in marriage to William “Bill” Houston Parker on Oct. 21, 1945, in Houston. They were blessed with two sons, William “Bill” Owen and Bruce Stephen. Emmagene was a school teacher for 35 years. She loved her students and truly sought to make a difference in their lives. Emmagene and her husband were associated with Dryer-Parker Shoes in Mountain Grove for over 50 years and made many lifelong customers and friends. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove for over 70 years and served in many ministry positions, including the special ministry of signing for the deaf in the congregation. She loved her church family, was a mentor to many, and showed genuine interest and concern for others’ lives. Even at 98 years of age, Emmagene was important in the lives of multi-generations. In her spare time, Emmagene greatly enjoyed growing and babying the flowers in her yard. She also, in her younger years, enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Emmagene rarely complained but instead demonstrated a determination and a zest for life that affected all those who knew her.
Besides her parents, Emmagene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Parker, and one son, Bruce Parker. She is survived by one son, Bill Parker and his wife, Vicki, of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren, Larkin, Kim, Brett and Bryan; great-grandchildren, Dax, Ryan, Logan and Kailey; her daughter-in-law, Jane Parker; and many other relatives, friends and church family who will miss her dearly.
Visitation for Emmagene Parker was held Thursday, Sep. 10, 2020, from 10-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Mountain Grove. Funeral services followed the visitation at 11 a.m., also at the church, with the Rev. Gene Edwards and the Rev. Dustin Byrd officiating.
Song selections were “Near To The Heart Of God” sung by Kent Oliver; saxophone solo “I’d Rather Have Jesus” by Jim Dickey accompanied by Sherrie Hancock; congregational song, “Love Lifted Me,;” “Precious Memories” sung by Sondra Mahoney, Malcolm Kemper, Don Lutes and Nancy Doty; “When They Ring Those Golden Bells” sung by Joe Golden; “This Is The Time I Must Sing” sung by Nancy Doty; and congregational song, “God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again.” Jean Ann Reed served as pianist.
Bob Shannon, Paul Shannon, Tim Watson, Morris Jenkins, Riley Jenkins, Brady Jenkins and Landry Jenkins served as pallbearers. James Payton, Harold Branson, Gerald Hilt, Ronnie Wakefield, Gary Alumbaugh, Lonnie Moore, Don Lutes, Scott Miller, Dwayne Isringhausen, Tim Hancock, Eric Edquist, David Prock and Malcolm Kemper served as honorary pallbearers. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
