Larry Parker

Larry Parker, 71, of Winterset died Wednesday, March 21, 2018, at Madison County Memorial Hospital in Winterset. A visitation will be held from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, March 24, at Ochiltree Funeral Service, with family present to receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the family and online condolences may be left at ochiltree.com. Lawrence Riley Parker, son of Mary Etta Bledsoe, was born August 28, 1946, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He attended schools in the Ottumwa area until enlisting in the Army. He continued his education at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa after his service. Larry married Jan Burkett on February 29, 1988, at the First Presbyterian Church in Winterset. Larry was employed for most of his working career at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines as a stationary engineer. He later worked as a custodian at DMACC in Ankeny. Larry enjoyed camping, fishing, listening to music and was an avid reader. He loved technology and always had the latest gadgets. Larry was very active in AA, being a member since 1981. Larry and Jan enjoyed being active and helping to support the close niche local AA group. Above all else, he cherished the time he was able to spend with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. Larry is survived by his wife of 30 years, Jan Parker of Winterset; daughter Mary De Garcia of Des Moines; seven step-children; Teresa (Russ) Fleming; Dean (Carolyn) Smith; Michael (Christy) Smith; Dan (Heather) Smith; Peter, Jamie and Jesse; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Spilman of Ottumwa; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, and three siblings, Jesse “Skip” Spilman; Alfred “Buddy” Spilman and Patricia Fador.