Russell E. Parker, age 92, of Washington, Iowa, passed away Friday, November 21, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital downtown campus.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with Pastor Anthony DeVaughn officiating. Calling hours will begin 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 29th, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home where the family will be present to receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. Interment with military honors will take place at the Elm Grove Cemetery in Washington. Memorials have been established for House of Heroes, Hospice Compassus,or the Washington United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent for Russ's family at
www.jonesfh.com
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Russ was born September 3, 1933, in Ottumwa, Iowa, the son of Clarence and Hazel (Bonney) Parker. He attended school in Ottumwa, Iowa. Russ was united in marriage to Donna Berrier on August 2, 1952, in Batavia, Iowa.
Russ entered the United States Army on May 27, 1953. He served honorably for twenty years until his retirement on June 1, 1973. Following his time in the military, Russ operated a Burger Chef and later Burger King in Georgia and worked at Columbus Foundries in Columbus, Georgia. Russ later owned and operated a stump grinding business.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Washington Noon Kiwanis and was the President of the First Chapter of House of Heroes after their charter. He served on the National Board of House of Heroes for many years. Russ volunteered many years giving people rides to doctor appointments and church. He helped with several fundraising projects at the United Methodist Church. Russ enjoyed playing golf and in his early days he enjoyed bowling.
He is survived by son, Donald E. Parker and friend Kendra Lown of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; daughter, Diane M. (Gary) Albers of Walford, Iowa; son, Russell A. (Heidi) Parker of Ottumwa, Iowa; son, Dwight C. (Thao) Parker of Columbus, Georgia; six grandchildren, Patrick Parker, Kelly Peterson, Abraham Parker, Tyler Albers, Olivia Parker and Bryan Roeben; and great grandchildren, Elijah, Isaiah and Micah Roeben; Alaina Parker, Lucas and Owen Peterson and step great grandchildren, Mia and Sven Peterson.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Hazel Parker; wife, Donna Parker; brother, Bob Parker; sister, Francis Parker; sister, Marie Fuller; sister, Irene Wintermote; brother Jack Parker, and brother Jim Parker, as well as daughter-in-law, Pat Parker.