Charles F. Parker passed away peacefully with his family by his side on November 8, 2011. He was born on February 21, 1922 in Arkansas to Edith and Jack Parker.
In 1950, Charles moved to Gilroy from Long Beach with his wife Gladys and their daughter Peggy. He pursued a career as an architect with the firm of W.J. Hanna and Son, and retired after 35 years. He designed many homes in Gilroy.
Also talented in painting and illustrating, Charles earned a Masters degree in art and attended the Jepson Art Institute and the Art Center School, both of Los Angeles. He also earned an Associate of Arts degree in architectural design from Hartnell College.
A well-known portrait artist, Charles completed paintings of former California Governor Frank Merriam, opera singer Lily Pons and several other Southern California notables during his career. He also was an artist with Disney Studios. He continued his artistic endeavors all through his life, completing many canvases of portraits and landscapes. Charles was a member and past Exalted Ruler of Gilroy Elks Lodge No. 1567 and was also a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed camping and fishing and was a member of the Gilroy Vagabums RV group.
He is survived by his wife Elaine of Gilroy; daughter Peggy Parker-Poole of Park City, Utah (husband Robert); step-daughters Carole Ann Codiga-Lake of Gilroy and Cathie Campbell (Claude) of North Fork; also son-in-law Richard Lake of Fish Camp.
Charles is also survived by his granddaughter Kristen Ann Poole of San Diego; grandson Garrett Parker Poole of Park City, Utah; step-grandchildren Cody and Matthew Campbell, Shana and Shelley Trinchero and Stephen Lake. Charles also leaves four great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are his brothers Hobart Parker of Forrest City, Arkansas and Hugh Parker of Talladega, Alabama. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys Eileen Parker and sisters Billie Parrish, Jackie Venable and Jane Bednar.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to a favorite charity.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, November 11, 2011 at Habing Family Funeral Home in Gilroy. Funeral services are scheduled at 11 :00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12 at the same location. Condolences can be made at www.HabingFamilyFuneralHome.com
