Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
James “Raburn” Parker, longtime resident of The Dalles, passed away March 20, 2015.
Raburn was the oldest of four children; born to Conor and Katie Parker, in Cade, Oklahoma on August 25, 1935. Raburn grew up in Parkdale and Hood River, graduating from Hood River High School. He then lived in The Dalles, working at Harvey Aluminum Plant for over 30 years. In 1981, Raburn married Maxine, “Punky” McBride in The Dalles. Raburn was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and the eagles Lodge in The Dalles and the Legion in Hood River. Raburn loved to fish, golf, cook, was an avid reader and loved crossword puzzles. He relished all the trips he and his wife Maxine took to the Oregon Coast at Lincoln City. His favorite trip was the Nashville trip they took with several of his wife’s sisters and brothers in-law and his two step daughters.
Raburn is survived by his wife, Maxine “Punky,” his son and daughter, Mike Parker and Lillian Parker of Tacoma, Washington; stepdaughters Tylene Thomsen, Roseburg; and Kim Gillet, Hermiston; sisters Cordie Brown of Silverton; and Patsy Short, Vancouver, Washington; 12 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
A memorial service was held Tuesday March 24, at First United Methodist Church in The Dalles, Internment was at IOOF cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, The Dalles.
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