Richard D. Parker
Richard D. Parker, 91, of Rosebud, Missouri had passed away peacefully at his home, on Friday, November 3, 2023.
Richard Douglas Parker, was born on April 25, 1932 in Saint Louis, Missouri to Horace P. and Gladys L. (nee: Smith) Parker. He had grown up in Saint Louis, Missouri; had attended school at Hadley Technical School in St. Louis, Missouri. After being educated, he had honorably served our country in the United States Army. While in the service, Richard was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Orlando, in January of 1953. Together they were blessed with six children: Theresa, Rich, Ron, Sal, Kathy and Tina. They continued raising their family in the Saint Louis, Missouri area, until relocating to Rosebud, MO in 1973.
Richard was a partner in the 'Mechanical and Electrical' consulting firm of Londe-Parker, Inc. (LPI), based in Saint Louis, Missouri. 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 Saint Louis, and Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau, Missouri 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 Saint Louis, Missouri; 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 is survived by his devoted wife of 70 years, Patricia (nee: Orlando); his loving children: Theresa M. (Edward) Lipe of Sullivan, MO; Richard D. Parker, Jr. of Saint Charles, MO; Ronald (Grace) Parker of Rosebud, MO; Salvatore (Barbara) Parker of Owensville, MO; Kathleen M. Parker and friend Roger Enke of Owensville, MO; and Christine M. (Alexander) Dwyer of Rosebud, MO; 14 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren, with one on the way; Dear Brother of Horace P. Parker, Jr.; Dear Brother-in-Law of Mark (Lois) Orlando; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren: Kathryn Parker, Joseph Parker and Nicholas Helton; two brothers, Gerald D. Parker, and James R. Parker.
No services are planned at this time. Friends may send their online condolences to Richard’s family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan.