Willard Parker a resident of Lake Charles was born Sept. 19, 1924 in Ragley and passed away Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022 in the Southwest Louisiana War Veterans Home in Jennings. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1942-1946, 29th Infantry 116th Regiment. Willard was in the first group on D-day to storm Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. The Purple Heart medal, World War II Victory medal, and the Good Conduct medal were given as decoration to his name. Recently, he was recognized in the American Press as our Hometown Hero.
He is survived his daughters, Cathy Richard and husband, J.W. of Westlake, Brenda Cox and husband Doyle of Westlake, and Ruby Strickland and husband, Ronnie of Westlake,; 16 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Marie Parker; sons, Charles Willard Parker and Billy Newman; daughter, Jolene Fruge; along with two brothers and one sister.
The family received friends from 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22 with the funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. at First Pentecostal Church of Westlake, 1208 Sampson St., Westlake. Pastor Randy Stanton and Rev. Tyler Stevison officiated. Interment followed at Magnolia Cemetery in Westlake.
Arrangements were handled by Riley Smith & Sons Funeral Home, 1810 W Fourth Street, DeQuincy.
(Paid Memorial)
