Wilson Parker, age 78, died Sunday, June 1, 2003 at Cozad. He was born March 24, 1925 at Farnam to Wayne and Leith Ainlay Parker. He graduated from Farnam High School and attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for 1 year. He served in the U. S. Navy from 1943 to 1945.

On September 21, 1944, he married Gloria Fuerbringer. They made their home in Gothenburg where he was employed as a mechanic at Vaneer Ford. In 1950, they moved to Cozad where he was employed with Wells Motors, the Chevy Garage and Seybold Repair. He later worked as a mechanic for Paulsen, Inc. until his retirement in 1996. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1994.

On June 28, 1997, he married Joann Couch.

He was a member of the Episcopal Church, Cozad Country Club and the Elks and Eagles Lodges. He cherished his time with his grandchildren and step-grandchildren. He enjoyed Nebraska football, golf and all high school sports. He was awarded the Fan of the Year by the activities department of the Cozad Schools.

Survivors include his wife, Joann of Cozad; 3 sons, David (Jeanie) Parker of San Jose, California, Doug (Julie) Parker of Cozad and Darrel (Jonelle) Parker of Sterling, Colorado; 2 step-daughters, Paula (Tom) Abramson of Gothenburg and Karen (Tad) Drake of Las Vegas, Nevada; a step-son, Wes Parker of Cozad; 3 grandchildren, Sara, Shay and Shelley and 4 step-grandchildren, Ashley, Aaron, Alex and Amanda.

He was preceded death by his parents and 2 sisters, Jean Davlin and Jane Potter.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 5, 2003 at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Rev. Ray Grieb officiating. Burial was in Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell.

Visitation was from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday at the Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad which was in charge of arrangements.

The Gothenburg Times, 3 June 2003