Mr. Leon Morrel Parker, born May 25, 1945 in Pontiac, MI, age 74 of Benton, Kentucky died on Sunday, September 22, 2019, at Mercy Hospice in Paducah, Kentucky after a 2 1/2 year fight with Pancreatic Cancer. He was one of a select few to have the Whipple Surgery in Nashville, TN. He was courageous and fought the never-ending chemo and radiation until May, 2019 when it was determined that the cancer had spread.
He was a union electrician with Local #569, IBEW in San Diego from 1970 until 1990, when he went to work for Southern California Edison Nuclear Generating Station in San Clemente, CA. He retired in 1990 and decided to leave California. He and his family moved to Benton in June, 1991.
Leon's love and passion was his 6 Model T's. He was a lifelong member of the Model T Club of America and was a respected member for his knowledge of the "T." He drew all the re-wooding plans for many of the T's and was a spirited debater with other "T" members, which he welcomed.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Morrel and Evelyn Parker of St. Croix Falls, WI, and brother, Harry.
He leaves his wife, Barbara, married 52 years of Benton, KY, daughter, Kristin Marie of Benton, grandson, Ryan Calderon of Hopkinsville, KY, brother-in-law, Bill Carlson, formerly of Calvert City, KY, nephew and niece, Bill and Mary Carlson, and their 3 children, Billy, Aiden, and Kaylin. He also had many dear friends from the area and from the Model "T" Club. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Services will be scheduled for a later date.
