Robert Alfred Parker

Robert Alfred Parker, of Georgetown, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 9, 2023.

Alfred was born in Georgetown to the late Carl Everett and Jennie Lee (Givens) Parker. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Jean (Hastings) Parker, 11 brothers and sisters, and a grandson, Jesse Wade Eskridge.

He was a member of St. Johns United Methodist Church in Georgetown, and was a member of the United Methodist Men in the early 2000s. Alfred was no stranger to hard work. As a child, he plowed fields behind a mule for his tenant farmer parents. As an adult, he worked at his brother-in-law’s farm and tractor dealership as a mechanic. In 1963, he started working at Melvin L. Joseph Construction, where he was a shop foreman for the next 35 years. Alfred could fix or build just about anything! He had a passion for dirt track racing, and at one point built his own racecar, engine, and all, from the ground up. Over the years, his cars won many races points championships locally and at other tracks in the East, and even once raced for NASCAR in Daytona. Additionally, he was an amazing carpenter and woodworker. He helped make many additions and upgrades to the family home in Cabbage Corner, and many family members are blessed to have several items of furniture he handmade.

At 20 years old, Alfred was blessed to marry the love of his life, Jean. He would likely tell you this was his greatest accomplishment. Alfred and Jean were always together, and enjoyed going to Bible study, helping out at Vacation Bible School, attending family events, and just riding the roads.

He is survived by his children, April Eskridge (Jesse), David Parker (Lana), Laura Parker, and Chris Parker (Lisa); grandchildren, Chad Eskridge, Julie Powers (Skip), Jason Eskridge (Arlene), Brian Parker (Casey), Aimee Parker Mumford (Walt), John Stevenson (Christine), Amber Stevenson, Justin Stevenson (Jen), Jennie Goins, and Jackson Parker (Bethany); 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandson.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 14, 2023 at 1PM in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown, DE 19947, where friends may call after 11:30 am. Interment will follow at St. Johns United Methodist Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered to the family at: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com