Emmagene Ruth Parker

Emmagene Ruth Parker, daughter of the late Homer and Mae (Gobble) Owen, was born December 27, 1921, in Houston, Missouri, and departed this life September 5, 2020, at her home in Mountain Grove, Missouri. She was 98 years, 8 months, and 9 days of age.

Emmagene grew up in Houston, Missouri. She graduated from Houston High School and then received her degree from what is now Missouri State University. She was united in marriage to William “Bill” Houston Parker on October 21, 1945, in Houston, Missouri. They were blessed with two sons, William “Bill” Owen and Bruce Stephen.

Emmagene was a school teacher for thirty five years. She loved her students and truly sought to make a difference in their lives. Emmagene and her husband were associated with Dryer-Parker Shoes in Mountain Grove for over fifty years and made many lifelong customers and friends.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Mountain Grove for over seventy years and served in many ministry positions, including the special ministry of signing for the deaf in the congregation. She loved her church family, was a mentor to many, and showed genuine interest and concern for others’ lives. Even at 98 years of age, Emmagene was important in the lives of multi-generations.

In her spare time, Emmagene greatly enjoyed growing and babying the flowers in her yard. She also, in her younger years, enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Emmagene rarely complained but instead demonstrated a determination and a zest for life that affected all those who knew her.

Besides her parents, Emmagene was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Parker and one son, Bruce Parker.

She is survived by one son, Bill Parker and his wife, Vicki, of Houston, Texas, four grandchildren, Larkin, Kim, Brett and Bryan, great-grandchildren, Dax, Ryan, Logan, and Kailey, her daughter-in-law, Jane Parker, and many other relatives, friends, and church family who will miss her dearly.