Gary Wayne Parker , 80, of Columbia City, died peacefully at 7:21 a.m. Friday, October 13, 2023, at Miller's at Oak Pointe, Columbia City, where he has been a resident since October 2021.

Born on February 14, 1943, in Garrett, Indiana, he was a son of Ora Davis and Leona M. Parker. Growing up in Auburn, he completed grade school and then attended Garrett High School.

On May 21, 1960, he entered the U.S. Air Force. He served as a reconnaissance specialist at the Barksdale, Louisiana AFB. He was honorably discharged on March 14, 1962.

Returning to the area, he became a bricklayer and worked various other jobs. Later in his work career, he became a Certified Nurse's Assistant working for the Byron Health Center and Miller's Merry Manor.

A native of Dekalb County, from an early age, well into his senior years, he was enthusiastic about attending the Auburn Free Fall Fair. With his Air Force service, he enjoyed attending air shows, especially when the Air Force Thunderbirds were the featured flyers.  He attended Komets Hockey games and followed the Detroit Red Wings of the NHL. In his senior years, he was a regular at Richards Restaurant, Columbia City, where he would gather with friends.

He is survived by his children, John W. Parker of Fort Wayne, Jeffery W (Brenda) Parker of New Haven, and Michelle D. (Kevin Bedwell) Parker of Fort Wayne; his mother, Leona Grear of Garrett; long-time girlfriend, Sharon Kelly of Columbia City; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and siblings, Rosalie Meschberger, Shirley A. Rollo, Bonda S. Liens, Steve Grear, and Randy Grear.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ora Davis, and a brother, Ricky Grear.

The funeral service will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday (October 18) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with Military Honors. Visitation is from 2 p.m. until the service Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Gary's honor to the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.