NORWICH – Leolin M. “Mike” Parker, 48, of Norwich, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
Born in Sidney in October of 1961, Mike was the son of Edwin and Beulah Brazee Parker. He attended school in Afton and in Norwich, and began his working years at the young age of 16 when he was employed by Gibson School as a janitor. Shortly thereafter, Mike entered the military and served his country in the U.S. Army Infantry from May of 1980 until his honorable discharge in May of 1986. Returning home, Mike worked as a nurse’s aide in the Binghamton General Hospital for 10 years and as a security guard for the Binghamton Regency Hotel. He then relocated back to Norwich where he worked for a time as a nurse’s aide at Valley View Manor Nursing Home and in security at Chenango Memorial Hospital. On May 14, 1999, in Norwich, he married Kathi Pollock. A quiet, kind, and caring person, Mike would be the first person at your side if you needed a hand. He was a talented artist who loved to draw, had a green thumb when it came to gardening, and loved playing basketball, football, and other sports. Mike passed his love of the sports to his family, encouraging and coaching the kids and enjoying their activities.
Mike is survived by his wife, Kathi Parker of Norwich; by his parents, Ed Parker of Plant City, Fla., and Beulah Parker of Norwich; by his daughters, Nadine Button and Nicole Parker, both of Norwich; and by his sons: Scott and Shannon of Binghamton, and Adam and James Maricle, both of Norwich. He is also survived by his sisters: Veronica Wood of Sidney, Londa Burton of New Hartford, Tammy Dutcher of Buffalo, and Linda Parker of Florida; by his brothers, Terry Parker of Oneonta and Ira Dutcher of Mt. Upton; by Daniel Houck of Mt. Upton who was like a brother to Mike; by 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Mike was predeceased by his sister, Tonja Parker, in 1975.
Funeral services for Mike will be held at noon on Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. Duane Golden of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, will officiate.
Friends are invited to call at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Mon. from 10 a.m. until the service at noon.