Wendell David Parker, age 51, of Avilla, passed away May 17, 2022 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Dave was born in Kendallville, Indiana on February 13, 1971 to the late Wendell L. Parker and Patricia Sue (Bradley) Parker. He graduated from East Noble High School in 1991 and was employed at Auburn Foundry for many years. He married Melissa Jane Strickler on July 1, 1995 at the Botanical Gardens in Fort Wayne. Dave was a member of the American Legion Post 240 in Avilla and was commander of the Sons of the American Legion for the past three years. He also was a member of the National Rifle Association and Eagles Lodge Post 985 in Kendallville. He loved old cars and spending time with his friends at the American Legion. He loved to cook and was always willing to help someone figure out their cell phone issues.
Survivors include:
Wife, Melissa Parker of Avilla and their dog, Jill.
Mother-in-law, Judith and Robert Pickens of Decatur.
Sister-in-law, Amy and James Moeschberger of Monroe.
Brother-in-law, Robin Strickler of Decatur.
Sister-in-law, Suzie Pickens of Decatur.
Sister-in-law, Daphne Milakovic of Gurnee, Illinois.
Uncle, Bob Bradley of Kendallville.
Aunt, Carla Jean Halferty of Helmer.
Close friends, Mike and Terry McArdle and Gary Smith of Avilla and his SAL friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wendell in 2003 and his mother, Patricia in 2008 and father-in-law, Forest Strickler.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville.
Funeral services for Dave will be held Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home.
Burial will follow at Christian Union Cemetery near Garrett.
Memorial donations may be made to the Sons of the American Legion Post 240.
Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home.
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