Harold Eugene "Gene" Parker, 83, of Arcadia, NE transitioned to heaven on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2015, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Gene was born in Arcadia Nebraska to Chester and Mary (Evans) Parker on May 21, 1932.

Survivors include five daughters and one son, Dixie Nelson (Mark) of Anthon, IA, Jackie Parker of Sioux City, IA, Rebecca (Becky) Williams of Lewisburg, KY, Lori Leonard (Chris) of Dannebrog, NE, Wendy Giles (Ronnie)of Rock Springs, WY and Harold (Buck) Eugene Parker Jr. (Summer) of Heber City, UT; six sisters, Alice Gibson of Monte Vista, CO, Marilyn Lewandowski of Omaha, NE, Connie Stewart of Broken Bow, NE, Nancy Einspahr of Arcadia, NE, Vicki Hanks of Kearney, NE and Mary Lou Petersen of Broken Bow, NE; fifteen grandchildren; and nineteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Robert and Donald; two sisters, Gladys and Norma; and his precious canine companion Roxy.
He attended Arcadia High School.
He took an interest in heavy equipment operation at a very young age during the construction of the big irrigation canal outside Arcadia near the family farm. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1950, and served in the Korean War with two trips to Japan. While in the Navy, he followed that career path by being involved in constructing runways for military planes as well as other projects.  He received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Ribbon (Two Stars) and United Nations Service Medal. He transferred to the SeaBees Division as a CD1 in 1950, and became part of the Amphibious Construction Battalion. After his Honorable Discharge in June 1954 as an E-6 Petty Officer First Class, he was employed by Capitol Bridge in Lincoln, NE and Bushman Construction, Middle Loup District, and then started his own business, Parker-Treptow Construction. Some of the projects he was involved in were the construction of Sherman Dam, Red Willow Dam, Glenelder Dam and Duchesne Dam. After moving to Utah, he started his own business, Parker Crane Service. He retired at 63 years of age.
He married O'Detta Case in 1955 and was blessed with four children; Dixie, Jackie, Becky and Lori.
He married Sherry Karren in 1968 and he was blessed with two additional children; Wendy and Buck.
Hobbies included stock car racing, fishing and hunting, dancing to polka music, he loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with all of his family and friends. He was an accomplished airplane pilot. He drove the Veterans Services Shuttle from Rock Springs Wyoming to Salt Lake City Utah, transporting Veterans for many years. He actively participated in the American Legion, American Legion Riders and served as Post Commander in Rock Springs Wyoming and was a lifetime member of the VFW.
He moved back to Arcadia Nebraska in 2007 where he resided until April 2015 when he moved to the Nebraska Veterans Home.


Memorial services will be at noon on Saturday, October 10 at the United Methodist Church in Arcadia NE. Pastor Mike Bremer will officiate. Inurnment will follow at the Arcadia City Cemetery with full Military Honors. Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home of Grand Island is in charge of arrangements.