Gordon Parker

Gordon Parker
Joseph, Utah

    Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, Chesley Gordon Parker, of Joseph, returned to his Father in heaven on July 30, 2023 at the age of 79. Gordon was born to Robert Harold and Gladys Andersen Parker on September 16, 1943 in Joseph where he has lived most of his life. He attended school in Joseph, Monroe and Nephi, where he graduated from Juab High School.  After high school he served a two-year mission to the North Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon returning home from his mission, he enlisted in the US Army in 1966 and later joined the Utah National Guard, 222 Field Artillery for 12 years. He had a deep love for his country and felt it a privilege to serve and be called a veteran.
    On April 26, 1968, he married Jolene Wanlass in the Manti Temple. Together they welcomed three sons to their family. After completing his military duties in Washington DC they returned to Joseph where he ran the family farm and drove truck for Palmer Brothers Trucking for several years. In 1978 he hired onto Sufco where he worked as a miner for 25 years before retiring in 2002.  After retiring he helped on Jolene’s family farm in Monroe, worked at the recycling plant in Richfield and GG’s Market in Monroe. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being with his family.  Later in life his passion was being an ordinance worker in the Manti Temple where he served until it closed for renovation and was hoping to be called back to serve after it reopened.
    He is survived by his wife, Jolene; sons: Richard (Hanna), Don (Tiffany) and Robert; and daughter, Melica (Chris) Wallace; 18 grandchildren; brother, Juel Parker; sister; Pat Greenwood; sisters-in-law, Saundra Parker and Linda Wanlass.
    Preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Floyd and Naomi Wanlass; siblings, Geraldene Nordford, Jackie (Jack) Werts, Hal (Coleen) Parker, Bonnie (Gordon) Evans, Colleen Sanders, Peggy (Robert) Jensen, Sally Turpin, Sam Parker; sister-in-law Darlene Parker; and brothers-in-law: Stephen Wanlass, Larry Wanlass, Michael (Kristi) Wanlass.
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in the Joseph Ward Chapel in Elsinore. Friends may call for viewing Friday evening at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield from 6-7 p.m. or Saturday morning at the ward chapel from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery with military honors by the Sevier Valley American Legion Post #37. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

   Live streaming and online guestbook can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com below Gordon’s obituary.