Ralph K. Parker, 103

Ralph K. Parker, 103, passed away on Monday, Nov. 26, 2007, at Immanuel Lutheran Home in Kalispell.

Ralph was born Dec. 18, 1903 in Perth, Kan., to James and Delphia (Earhart) Parker. He was raised in Knowles, Okla. He spent much of his younger years working on the family farm.

On July 5, 1934, he married Martha O. Oswald in Ringwood, Okla. In 1935, they moved to Kalispell where he worked as a carpenter for several years. In 1942 they moved to Witchita, Kan., where he worked for the Cessna Aircraft Company. In 1946, they moved back to Kalispell, where they lived until his passing.

In 1955, he went into the investment business, and later became a branch manager. Ralph retired at the age of 99, Montana's oldest stockbroker. He was lifelong member of the Methodist Church. He became affiliated with the Masons on April 7, 1952, he became a master Mason on Feb. 7, 1953, and was the head of the Four York Rite Bodies. He served as grand chaplain of Cryptic Masons of Montana for two years.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; two sisters; and his wife.

He is survived by a brother, Orville Parker; nieces, Billie Nelson, Betty Wise and Chrystal Shonrick; nephews, Bobby Parker and Raymond Sinner; and very dear friend and companion, Veronna Cowell; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 2 at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Burial will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 3, at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Memorial services will follow the burial at noon at Epworth United Methodist Church in Kalispell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Shriners Children's Hospital, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.