David I. Parker

David I. Parker, 90, of St. Marys, died of pancreatic cancer on June 8, 2025, at home. He was born on February 14, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, a son of Dr. Charles D. Parker and Anne (Mattson) Parker. He married Dorothy Berkey on January 20, 1957, in River Forest, Illinois.

David attended Oak Park - River Forest High School in Illinois and spent summers in Minnesota helping out at the Mattson Family Dairy Farm. His favorite authors then were Mark Twain and Stephen W. Meader. He served in the U.S. Army and then attended the University of Illinois, in Champaign-Urbana, on the G.I. Bill.

A mechanical engineer, he retired from Magnavox in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After his retirement at the age of 56, he enjoyed working at the Indiana Auto Auction, and his fish fries at the Leo American Legion were very popular.

David and his loving wife Dorothy began going steady in 1952. In retirement, they enjoyed train travelling to Canada and in Europe, and especially loved Switzerland.

He loved to fly fish, enjoyed his motorcycle, and his friends and family. He was a tolerant person whose motto was to “live and let live.”

As an Army Veteran, he was a lifelong member of the American Legion Post 409 in Leo, Indiana, and the VFW Post 9289 in St. Marys, OH.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughters Cherie Lyn and Jules Dowling; grandchildren, David Dowling and Erica (John) McEvoy; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Brayson, and Ashlyn; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and grand-dog, Charlie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles (Mary) Parker, and sister Ruanne (Jim) McElroy.

The family would like to warmly thank the nurses, doctors, and staff of Grand Lake Hospice in St. Marys for their six months of compassionate care. Thanks also to JTDM Hospital and the many area doctors and medical staff who helped him live a long and happy life.

A private memorial will be held at a later time.

The Parker family extends their heartfelt thanks for the support and care shown during this difficult time. To share memories or express condolences, please visit www.ciscofuneralhome.com or the Cisco Funeral Home Facebook page.

Cisco Funeral Homes of Celina & St. Marys are honored to serve the Parker family.