FORT ANN --- Earl John Parker, 84, affectionately known to everyone as "Jack", was promoted to Glory on Thursday, July 24, 2014 from his residence, 189 Miller Way, Fort Ann, on Thurber Pond with his loving family by his side.

Thurber Pond began as a family camp and became Jack & Eleanor's permanent home in 1990. It was a place of refuge, recreation, and fellowship for family, friends, and lost hikers. Everyone was welcomed at Jack's place on the mountain for a hot meal, lodging, or just good conversation and a big hug. Many church groups brought their youth, and congregations for a sleep over to enjoy God's beauty in the wonderful outdoors. It wasn't unusual to see visitors swimming, fishing, boating and hiking on the Parker Estate.

Jack's hobbies included hunting and fishing. He loved the outdoors and literally spent his life enjoying the beauty of nature. He had a great love for animals. His faithful dog "Buddy" kept vigil by his side as he left his earthly life. Over the years he gave a home and love to many dogs who had been abandoned or mistreated and was able to nurture them into great companions.

Jack was born on September 3, 1929 in Caldwell, N.Y. to Earl John & Inez Parker. He was a self educated man having to leave school to support his mom and younger siblings when he was in high school. He was a man with multi talents including wood working, engineering, drawing, plumbing and electrical projects. For years he worked in the propane gas industry with his first position delivering and installation of gas for Quality Gas Company and retiring from Suburban Propane as Vice President in 1994.

Jack was a 32 Second Degree Mason, belonging to Rising Sun Lodge #103 in Saratoga Springs. He served as Master of the Blue Lodge, Commander of the Washington Commandary #33 and a member of Shiners. He also served as his wife Eleanor's Patron in the Order of Eastern Star.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 61 years, Eleanor M. (Filkins) Parker; his parents, Earl J. and Inez (Ingraham) Parker; 3 brothers, Charles Parker, Clayton Parker and Alfred Parker; a son, Earl J. Parker Jr. and his uncle and benefactor, Thurston Ingraham.

Jack is survived by his 6 children, Major Marie Harris and her husband, Major Charles A. Harris Sr., of Mill Hall, PA, Shirley Panessa and her husband, Louis, of Palm City, Fla., Carol Shufelt and her husband, Sam, of Farmington, N.Y., Phillip Parker and his wife, Dina (Mendes), of Miami, Fla., (Eleanor) Marlene Williams and her husband, Allen Williams Jr., of Saratoga Springs, and Major Robin Maddock and her husband, Major David Maddock Sr., of Ocala, Fla.; his sister, Arvilla Alger of Floral City, Fla.; brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Loretta Filkins; sister-in-law, Gladys Parker of Saratoga Springs; 30 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; also many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, as well as many friends and extended family.

Visiting hours will be Tuesday, July 29, from 4 to 7 p.m. and also Wednesday, July 30, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury. The Saratoga Rising Sun Lodge No. 103 will perform a Masonic service at during the evening calling hours.

A graveside service will follow at Maplewood Cemetery, Wilton.

A memorial service will be conducted by Major Charles Harris, son-in-law and pastor of The Salvation Army in Lock Haven, PA, at the home of Jack Parker, 189 Miller Way, Fort Ann.

The family wishes to thank all his family and friends who have faithfully visited. We would also like to thank, Dr. Mihindu, and the other physicians and caregivers at Glens Falls Hospital, Dialysis Center, and The Pines Rehab.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Salvation Army, Broad Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801 or Hayes House of Hope, 7187 State Rte 149, Granville, NY 12832.

Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or e-mailed through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.