A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Cecil F. Parker will be held at a later date.
Cecil F. Parker, 87, passed away on April 21, 2024 at home. Cecil was born on January 22, 1937, in Vernon, Colorado to John Parker and Georgia Kinser Blevins. Cecil resided in Lexington, Nebraska during his childhood before enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1955. Upon his honorable discharge from the Marines, Cecil worked for Holdrege Electric where he met the love of his life, Beverly Pankonin. They were married on December 18, 1959, and subsequently had two sons, Shawn and Barry. Their union lasted more than 64 years.
Cecil left Holdrege Electric and began a long-term career with the Nebraska State Department of Roads. During his tenure with the State, Cecil was active in the Nebraska Association of Public Employees (NAPE), eventually becoming a board member and rising to become President of NAPE. He was passionate about the work rights of Nebraska State employees. In 1980, Cecil acquired a Servicemaster franchise in Holdrege and became self-employed. He operated the Servicemaster business for more than 10 years during which time he developed many relationships across Holdrege, Phelps County and beyond. He is remembered for driving the distinctive yellow Servicemaster vans throughout the area.
In the early 90’s, Cecil sold the Servicemaster franchise and decided to pursue higher education. He obtained an Associates degree from Central Community College in Hastings before earning his Bachelors of Science degree from the College of Natural and Social Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Kearney in 1997 at age 60. Cecil had battled alcohol addiction and had overcome the disease through the benefit of counseling and treatment he received. It was because of this that he developed an interest in the counseling profession and dedicated his studies to this cause. While his advanced age precluded him from gaining employment in the field, he nevertheless applied his experience and knowledge to provide guidance to many friends and acquaintances throughout the rest of his life. Cecil spent the latter part of his working life doing farm work with relatives in the Cambridge area. He was a hard worker and appreciated the rugged nature of farm labor and the great outdoors.
Cecil had many hobbies through the years including bowling, fast-pitch softball, gardening, cooking and fishing/camping. He made many friends throughout the years in bowling and softball. He was also an animal lover and was comforted by his two cats, Shadow and Zip.
Cecil was preceded in death by his parents and many brothers, sisters, and step-brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Parker of Holdrege; son Shawn Parker and wife Tonya of Plano, Texas; and son Barry Parker and wife Stacy of Peru, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Jacob Parker, Blake Parker, Connor Parker, Rebecca Parker, and Alaina Allen; and one great grand-daughter, Parker Woods, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great and great-great nieces and nephews.
A private family visitation was held.
Memorials in Cecil’s honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.
