Kenneth Allen Parker (79) of Louisville

Kenneth Allen Parker, 79, of Louisville passed away at 3:12 PM Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Kenneth was born on October 11, 1941, in Chicago the son, of the late Louis B. and Madeline M. (Locke) Parker. Ken was in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1963 serving his country proudly and he was very proud of his service. He then married the love of his life Ruby L. Wilkins, on May 8, 1963, in Chicago and they shared 57 years of marriage. Ken did many things over the years having worked as an accountant for the Texaco Company in Texas and then moving back to Illinois and getting in the restaurant business in Louisville owning the K & R Cafe. Ken loved working at the restaurant and most especially visiting with the folks coming in, he always loved to visit and tell some jokes. Ken was a huge NASCAR fan, and he loved his gadgets and new toys. He loved to “sample” all kinds of foods not passing up any buffets. Ken attended the Louisville First Baptist Church.

Ken is survived by his wife; Ruby L. Parker, of Louisville, 3 children; Gayle (Paul) Clark, of Corpus Christi, Texas, Steven Parker, of Richmond, Texas, Terri (David) Bright, of Katy, Texas, 13 grandchildren; Shawn (Kellie) Clark, Ashley Clark, Christopher Clark, Stephanie Parker, Sterling Parker, Jassalynn (Jordan) Boling, Jennica (Tanner Dawkins) Parker, Landen Bright, Joshua Bright, Summer Bright, Esther Joy Bright, Caleb Bright, Josiah Bright, and 3 great grandchildren. Ken is also survived by 2 sisters-in-law; Carol Jean O’Dell, of Louisville, Doris (Bill) Pflaum, of Clay City, 1 brother-in-law; Howard Wilkins, of Louisville, and several nieces and nephews and good friends.

Mr. Parker was preceded in death by his parents, 1 great grandson; Royce Boling, his siblings; George Parker, Bobbie Parker, and Irene Johnson, and his father and mother in law; Cecil and Dorothy Wilkins.

Funeral services honoring the life of Ken will be held at 2 PM Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at the McGriff & Triplett Funeral Home in Louisville, with Pastor Kelly Carruthers officiating, burial with military honors will follow at the Dillman Cemetery, rural Louisville. Visitation will be held on Tuesday at the funeral home where friends may call from 12 Noon to 2 PM. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Louisville First Baptist Church. Due to health concerns related to COVID-19, it is recommended that you please wear a mask and practice social distancing. To sign the guestbook online please visit by clicking here.