Clayton A. Parker, age 90, died February 16, 2024, at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital with his family surrounding him.

Clayton Albert Parker was born September 30, 1933, in Long Prairie, Minnesota, the son of Albert and Hazel (Reinbold) Parker.   Clayton was raised in Long Prairie and graduated from high school in Long Prairie.  He completed his college degree at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis Campus.  Clayton proudly served in the US Army and was honorably discharged.

On April 30, 1962, he was united in marriage to Yvonne E. Joarnt.  Together, they raised four sons.  Clayton spent his career working for the Federal Government primarily working as a loan officer for the FHA (Farmer Home Administration).

Clayton truly worked hard and knew how to enjoy himself too.   He loved being a grandfather and a great grandfather. Clayton was an avid reader and had a large library at home. He can also be remembered as an enthusiastic U of M Gopher fan. Hunting and fishing were truly his favorite outdoor pastimes!  Spending time at the shack with the crew, hunting geese and ducks with his brother-in-law, Richy and the rest of his friends, and fishing with anyone willing to go with him always made him happy.  Clayton was known to remember details of most trips - from the wind direction to the temperature to the exact count of how many ducks they got.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of nearly 62 years, Yvonne Parker; his sons, George Parker, Matthew Parker, and Andrew (Cheri) Parker; two grandchildren, Katelin Parker (Jacob Parsons) and Sebastian Parker; two great grandsons, Joseph and Ray; his best friend, Richy; many nephews and nieces, other relatives and friends.

Clayton was preceded in death by his son, Anthony "AJ" Parker; his parents; sister, Mary Lou Gorman; and brother, Robert "Butch" Parker.

A Celebration of Clayton's life will be held from 1-4 PM Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Rowe Funeral Home in Grand Rapids.  A family interment service will be held in Itasca Calvary Cemetery at a later time.