There is a new voice in heaven because Robert Frederic "Bob" Parke has joined the heavenly choir on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.
He was born in Binghamton, New York, to the late Louis Lyle and Pricilla (Rouff) Parke and was the husband of Mary A. (Ruoss) Guest Parke, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage.
Bob lived most of his young life in Endwell, NY. He attended Alfred University, Alfred, NY, and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business and a Master's Degree in Education. He spent four years in ROTC and was commissioned as 2nd Lt. He served in the U.S. Army for 16 years rising with the rank of Major and earning 2 bronze stars, with assignments in Germany and Hawaii, and he served two tours in Viet Nam. After his discharge, he worked for a short time as a career counselor in Reading, PA. He was also employed as a math teacher at the Valley Forge Military Academy. Mostly he enjoyed working with his hands and eventually became a carpenter/builder.
Singing was his great and constant enjoyment. He sang around the clock. He was in the high school chorus and trio, Honolulu Chorale in Hawaii. He sang in the Bethel UM Church Choir for 30 years and St. John's UM Church Choir for 10 years.
Bob enjoyed sports and played football in high school and college. He also played golf in college and for most of his adult life. He enjoyed gardening but he was color blind and could not tell when the veggies were ripe. He loved listening to talk radio and then discussing with family and friends. In the early 90's he reluctantly attended square dance lessons and after one year he enthusiastically attended square dance weekend camp outs with Cross Trail Travelers Square Dance Club, where there was much dancing and laughter. He was happily sought after as a dance partner by unaccompanied ladies as he was so much fun to dance with! He took piano lessons for a few years but could not play up to his own standards so he abandoned it. He enjoyed camping and in 2006 they started RVing full time and continued for 16 years.
In addition to his wife, Robert is survived by his loving family, children, Thomas Parke (Carolyn), Glenn Guest (Donna), Carol Guest Cammauf (Rick), and Dale Guest; grandchildren, Glenn Guest, Jr., Samantha Guest Hunt, Rebecca Guest MaCalicher (Chris), Michael Guest, Daniel Guest, David Guest, Thomasina McAfee Town (Demetrius), Betsy McAfee Benventano (Dan); 10 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by son, Bradley Parke; daughter, Susan Guest; granddaughter, Amanda Guest; grandson, Joseph Guest; brother Donald Parke; and sister-in-law, Ruth Parke.
Family will greet friends and family from 12:30 to 1:00 pm, Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at St. John's United Methodist Church, 3001 E Lincoln Hwy, Paradise, PA. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 pm, with Pastor Rob Stippich officiating.
The interment will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 20th, in the Bethel United Methodist Cemetery in Spring City, PA.
Memorial contributions in Robert's memory may be made to St. John's U.M. Church in Paradise, PA.
Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.