Michael Parker, age 67, passed away peacefully at his home in Charleston, MO, Thursday, July 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born March 30, 1958, in Mississippi County, MO, to the late John Parker and Willie Mae Treadwell, he was a graduate of Charleston Schools and went on to attend Murray State University in Murray, KY with a full ride on a band scholarship.   After studying two years at Murray, he returned to Charleston where he went to work for Rolwing- Moxley Grain Elevator.   He then began a lifetime career with Charleston R-1 School, spanning over 42 years. He was always smiling and tending to his position at Warren E. Hearnes Elementary School.  The teachers and staff all knew Mr. Mike "had their back", rather it be a clean up after a child getting sick or helping Mrs. Blackwell get her piano to the "Blue Gym" for the annual all school Christmas musicals.   Mr. Mike was a man of integrity, humbleness and always ready to step in.  Mike loved fishing and building things.   He was a Christian man and of Baptist belief.

In 1988, he married Barbara Gene Owens, and she survives of the home.

Also surviving are their children, Michael Eugene (Symone Pickens) Owens, Faye (Aaron) Goodman, Ray (Latoya) Parker and Martin (Zaciunna Tyus) Parker; his sisters, Carolyn Thomas and Juanita Barnes; 17 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, and a special best friend, Danny Thomas.

In addition to his father and mother he was preceded in death by his siblings, Mildred Jackson, Thelma Parker, James Parker, Mae Willie Parker, Harvey Parker, Bernita Parker and Johnny Parker.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2025, at the United Methodist Church, 1700 East Marshall Street, Charleston, MO.  Ray Parker and Floyd Wade will officiate.

Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery near Charleston under the direction of the McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston.

The pallbearers are Michael Owens, Ray Parker, Martin Parker, Aaron Goodman, Danny Thomas, and Kenneth Thomas.

The honorary pallbearers are Willie Earl Epps, Dewight Haines and Jerome Haines.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.