Claude “Dean” Parker

Claude “Dean” Parker, 73, of Sullivan, MO, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2022 at Missouri Baptist Hospital – Sullivan.

Dean was born in Sullivan, MO, on February 3, 1949, to Claude and Violet (Mercer) Parker. He grew up and attended school in the Bourbon and Sullivan areas. Dean then went to work as an over the road truck driver for a few short years, and eventually became a heavy equipment operator.

Dean was united in marriage to Betty Nichols on October 20, 1968 and was blessed to become dad to her son, Ronnie. They raised their family in Sullivan, and through the years, Dean worked for KR Wilson, Larry Nolie and Westward Construction as a heavy equipment operator. Dean retired in 2014. The biggest joy of Dean’s life were his five granddaughters: Jennifer, Cassandra, Kimberly, Danielle & Denise.

Dean and Betty enjoyed traveling to various local yard sales, collecting items and simply spending time with one another. They also treasured time spent fishing and going to the boat. Dean loved to be outside, especially while mowing his grass. He adored his puppy, Phoebe.

Dean was someone you could rely on, he was loving, caring, and always giving of himself. He was so funny, full of life, and had a contagious and charming smile. He will be so dearly missed and lovingly remembered by many.

Dean is survived by his loving wife, Betty Parker, of Sullivan, MO; a son, Ronnie Counts and wife Carolyn of Cuba, MO; four granddaughters: Cassandra, Kimberly, Danielle and Denise; nine great-grandchildren: Ian, Logan, Alexis, Madison, Emily, Aaron, Hailey, Hunter & Nicole; two great-great-grandchildren, Oliver & Conway; three brothers: John Parker and wife Darlene of Washington, MO, Dewayne Parker and wife Pam of Salem, MO & Clifford Parker and wife Waynetta of Salem, MO; a sister, Linda Bobmeyer and husband Rich of House Springs, MO; four sisters-in-law: Norma Parker-Blankenship of Sullivan, MO, Sarah Parker of Joplin, MO, Margie Bastian and husband Craig of Mexico, MO & Cathy Faulkner and husband Wes of Vichy, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Jennifer Counts; his parents, Claude & Violet; a mother-in-law, Ann Nichols; three brothers: Jimmy, Roger and Edward; a sister, Brenda Hughes; two nephews, Doug & Stacy Parker; two nieces, Crystal & Tammy Parker; a brother-in-law, Jimmy Hughes; a sister-in-law, Vicki Parker; and his beloved pup, Pheobe.

Memorial Services were held at 3 p.m., on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, with Pastor Brian Dixon officiating. Dean will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Visitation was held from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Eaton Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parker family to help cover final medical expenses.

Online condolences may be shared with Dean’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com.

All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.