Harold A. Parker, 94, of Manly, passed away Oct. 11, 2026, at Deery Suites at Western Home Communities in Cedar Falls.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Oct. 17, at Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly, with Rev. Cory Allard officiating. Burial will be at Highland Township Cemetery in Churdan.
Harold was born Dec. 27, 1931, the son of Lloyd and Reva (Johnston) Parker. He grew up on the family farm near Scranton, before the family moved to a farm near Churdan. He attended country school and graduated from Churdan High School in 1949.
Harold worked alongside his father, brothers, and uncle on the family farm before being drafted into the United States Army. During his service, he spent time at Fort Riley, KS, and served in Europe as a clerk in the personnel office. Following his honorable discharge, Harold returned home and began working at the grain elevator in Churdan. Though farming was always in his blood, he found his calling in the cooperative industry, eventually working his way into management.
On Nov. 4, 1956, Harold married the love of his life, Ruth “Elaine” Hoskins. Together, they built a life centered around family, hard work, and the communities they called home. They welcomed three children, Jolene, Lorrie, and Jeff. Harold was especially fond of Elaine’s cooking and was always happy to enjoy a good home-cooked meal. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Elaine’s passing on March 16, 2017.
Throughout his career, Harold managed cooperatives in Laurel, Dysart, and eventually Manly, where he remained until his retirement. In Manly, Harold and Elaine built their family home, complete with plentiful gardens and fruit trees, bringing a little piece of farm life into town.
Harold took pride in being involved in each community he called home. He was a member of the Lions Club in Laurel, Dysart, and Manly, was active in the American Legion, and was a Mason for many years. He also supported Elaine in her Eastern Star activities and enjoyed the friendships they made through the Lucky Charms group. The couple loved square dancing, often taking to the dance floor in outfits lovingly handmade by Elaine. Through Harold’s work and the many relationships he built in the cooperative industry, he received numerous awards from seed and fertilizer companies and enjoyed opportunities to travel with Elaine. Their adventures took them to Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, and many other destinations. Faith was also an important part of their lives, and they remained active in their churches, most recently Bethel United Methodist Church in Manly.
Above all, Harold’s greatest joy was his family. He loved sharing his farming roots with his children, whether working together on the Parker and Hoskins family farms or passing along stories and lessons from his younger years. Family gatherings, holidays, and fishing trips with Elaine’s parents and brother Frank were always special occasions. Harold and Elaine rarely passed up an opportunity to spend time with their children and grandchildren. From following Jeff’s military service overseas to traveling across the country to visit their grandchildren and their families, staying connected to those they loved was always a priority. And wherever Harold went, he brought along his wonderful sense of humor, usually with a good joke and an even better story to tell.
He is survived by his children Jolene (Ron) Davis of Jasper, GA, Jeff (Cathlin) Parker of Colorado Springs, CO, and son-in-law Dave Curry of Le Mars; grandchildren Daniel (Sarah Massella) Schrader, Stefanie (Chris) Steies, Shannon (Jim) Sherwood , J.J. Parker, Adam Curry, Ross Curry, Ryan Davis, and Shane (Kami) Davis; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brothers Paul Parker and Glenn Parker; sisters Lois Stogsdill and Ruth Nugent; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Elaine Parker; daughter Lorrie Curry; parents; brothers Wayne Parker and Lloyd Parker, Jr.; and sister Ruby Fister. Services by Bride Colonial Chapel, Manly. ColonialChapels.com
