Walter Zebuel Parker passed away at home on March 22, 2023. Walt was born Oct. 4, 1942, near Sylva, North Carolina, to Robert Zebuel Parker and Elizabeth Moore Parker.
The family moved to the Lyman-Hamilton area, Skagit County, when Walt was a teenager. He later went to work in his uncle’s cedar shake mill. Over the years, he worked in various shake mills until he went to work for the Skagit County works at the waste transfer station. Later, he transferred to the Skagit County Public Works road division, where he remained until he retired October 2004.
Walt married Mary Morgan and they had two children, Lori Parker Owens and Dale Parker. In 1978, Walt married Gayle Shook Jones and gained a new son, Jeffrey Lloyd Jones. The family lived in Lyman until Walt and Gayle retired in 2005 and moved to Carlton, Washington, and built a home.
Walt loved first and foremost, his family. His other passions include camping, hunting, fishing, NASCAR, country music and bluegrass. Walt loved to cook and spoiled his family with his famous biscuits and gravy.
Walt is survived by wife, Gayle, son Jeff Jones (Jessica), daughter Lori Owens (Rick), son Dale Parker (Danielle). Four granddaughters, Danielle Parker Reininger (Zac), Hailey Parker Bergman (Seth), Olivia Parker Owens (Mitch) and Megan Jones. Great-grandchildren, Addison and Miller Bergman, Waylon Reininger and Westin Oudman. Brothers Edward (Libby) and Rick Parker (Natalie). Sister-in-law Linda Parker and numerous nieces and nephews. And last but not least, his wonderful friends in the Methow Valley.
Walt was predeceased by parents Robert and Elizabeth, sisters Sue Conroy and Robbie Messer and brother James Parker.
Later this summer, there will be a private celebration of Walt’s life at the family home in Carlton in his beloved Methow Valley.
Memorials in Walt’s name may be made to the Twisp Senior Center, P.O. Box 296, 215 Methow Valley Highway, Twisp, WA 98856 or the Methow Eagles, P.O. Box 398, 205 Highway 20 S., Twisp, WA 98856.
