Horace Delmer “Dell” Parker, 58, of East Palatka, passed from this life on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family following an extended illness. A native of Jacksonville, he resided in Putnam County since 1969 coming from Jacksonville. Dell served honorably in the U.S. Army and retired as a detective from the Putnam County Sheriff’s department following 29 years of service. Dell was a member of Palatka Masonic Lodge #34 F&AM; and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In his leisure time, Dell enjoyed camping, golf and spending time in the Virginia Mountains.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Artice B. Parker, Sr. and Evangeline “Van” Blalock Parker.
Dell is survived by wife of 35 years, Pat Parker of East Palatka, a daughter, Kimberly Dunnington (Mike) of Jacksonville, a son, David Cook of Jacksonville, 2 brothers, Artice B. Parker, Jr. (Elaine) of Jacksonville and Dwight Parker (Lori Ann) of Palatka, 6 grandchildren, Cameron Cook, Isabel King (Zackary), Meadow Wood, James Wood, IV, Paisley Wood and Nathan Dunnington, a brother-in-law, Donald Hunter and a sister-in-law, Gail Hunter, both of Blacksburg, VA.
Services celebrating Dell’s life will be at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Bishop Johnny Counts presiding. Palatka Masonic Lodge #34 F&AM; will conduct masonic rites and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department will bestow military honors.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or the family requests memorial donations be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Dell’s Book of Memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.