Charles Daniel Parker

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the passing of Charles Daniel Parker, who left this world peacefully on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family at his home. Born on November 28, 1941, in the quaint town of St. Charles, Arkansas, Charles was the beloved son of the late Charles Merlin Parker and Gladys Fye Parker. He is predeceased by his cherished parents, his brother Robert Parker, and his son Anthony Thomas Parker, who now welcome him to eternal rest. Charles's journey was marked by love and dedication. He shared a remarkable 59-year marriage with his devoted wife, Margo Huey, whom he wed in 1967 in Portland, Oregon. Together, they built a life filled with joy and compassion, raising two sons, Anthony and David. Charles's legacy continues through his surviving family: his loving wife, Margo; his son David and daughter-in-law Sherry; and his adoring grandchildren, Cody, Cole, Aodhan, and Jinian Moon. His family was the cornerstone of his existence, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and happiness. After completing his high school education in Arkansas, Charles pursued higher education at Auburn University, where he earned a degree in Forestry, a fitting tribute to his deep-seated love for nature. His time at Auburn instilled in him a sense of camaraderie and passion, often reminisced with a spirited "Go War Eagle!" In 1967, Charles answered the call of duty, serving with honor in the Alabama and Oregon National Guard until 1971. His commitment to service extended beyond the military, as he embarked on a distinguished 30-year career with the United States Forest Service. Charles dedicated himself to the stewardship of our nation's forests, working across the Pacific Northwest in various capacities. His expertise in Timber Management and his leadership during the challenging fire seasons made a lasting impact on the landscapes he cherished. As a respected member of the Mt. Hood National Forest Area Incident Management Team, Charles served as a Division Group Supervisor, guiding others with skill and bravery. He concluded his esteemed career as a District Ranger for over a decade in Silver Lake and Hood River, Oregon. Charles's passion for the outdoors was woven into the fabric of his life. An avid fisherman, he found solace and adventure in the annual salmon and steelhead runs along the Columbia River. His generosity extended to sharing his boat and knowledge with friends and family, creating memories that will linger in the hearts of many. His kindness and generosity were boundless, always offering a helping hand to those in need, whether they were lifelong friends or strangers he met along the way. In addition to his professional accomplishments and personal passions, Charles was an active member of the Lions Club and the Coastal Conservation Association, where he served as the local chapter president. His dedication to community service was a testament to his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. A celebration of Charles's life will be held on June 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Anderson Tribute Center, located at 1401 Belmont Ave, Hood River, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Coastal Conservation Association, PO Box 1815, Lake Oswego, Oregon 97035, in honor of Charles's enduring love for nature and conservation. The Parker family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the countless friends and loved ones who have provided unwavering support to Charles and his family throughout the years. May his memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration to all who knew him.