Lewis Egbert Parker ….

Lewis Egbert Parker 1922 -2023

My grandfather, Lewis E. Parker,was a 20-year resident of Mutual 10, a brother to three sisters, and a husband of nearly 70 years. He was also a father to three and grandfather to four, including me, his “favorite (and only) granddaughter.”

During World War II, Lewis Parker was a meteorologist for the Army/Air Force. After the war, he was a chemical engineer and a print shop owner. He built his own computers, traveled the world with his beloved wife, Alma, and liked to drink wine on his porch in the afternoon.

He enjoyed making friends, and people enjoyed him. He was an activist and a leader in his community and sincerely cared about leaving the world a better place for young people. A lifelong learner, he was openminded and took the time to understand things and people.

My grandfather was softspoken and clever. He could make a room full of people burst out laughing with one quietly delivered punchline. He gave a quality speech at the pandemicstyle wedding reception we had in my aunt’s backyard in 2020.

Lewis was gentle on the surface and extremely sturdy on the inside. How else could he have lived for 100 years, still able to joke and talk about the news and tell people he appreciated them? He was aware and intelligent and funny and kind all the way until the very last day of his life.

I know he must have complained about the pain that comes with age and loss, but I myself only heard him talk about being glad to be here. “How are you today, grandpa?” I’d ask. “I’m still upright,” he’d always say.

On Feb. 13, his body slowed to a stop, but to me he is still here. It’s hard to explain the sensation of intense richness that I feel as time passes, being part of a family of people who are able to care for each other… enjoy each other… for years and years on end. I will be thankful to him for that for as long as I am still upright.

I love you, Grandpa Parker. —Katy Parker Photo and painting by Don Parker, son of Lewis Parker and father of Katy Parker