Ronald "Ron" Edwin Parker, 79, of Traverse City passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at the University Of Michigan Hospital. Ron was born on July 15, 1938 in Traverse City to the late Edwin and Edna (Bixby) Parker. He married the love of his life Camille Hodge on September 25, 1965 in Traverse City. Ron proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy. Ron had been employed by Burwood Products for many years. He has worked for the Carmelite Monastery for more then 20 years. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Ron loved to read, watch western movies, traveling and always enjoyed a good dessert. Ron was a true family man spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, was his greatest joy.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Camille two daughters and three sons; Jeannine (Justin) Halloway, Michele (Lynn) Paxton, Matthew (Tammy) Parker, James Parker and John (Sally) Parker, nine grandchildren; Jareth Parker, Desiree (Peter) Balentine, Sarah Parker, Rachel Parker, Sierra Parker, Caleb Parker, Zach Parker, Jacob Halloway and Isaac Halloway, many step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Donald Parker, in-laws; Robert (Mary) Hodge as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Leona Duckwitz, a daughter-in-law, Phyllis Parker, a sister-in-law, Carolyn Parker, and in-laws; Jeanne (Bob) Milne and Dick (Dorothy) Hodge.

Mass of Christian Burial honoring Ronald will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 12, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Rev. Fr. Kenneth R. Stachnik will officiate.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, the Carmelite Monastery or University Of Michigan Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Ron's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .

The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.