1927 – 2014

PEYTON, Colo. — Edward “Ted” Bailey Parker, 86, of Peyton, Colo., died Friday, June 27, after a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s and a period of declining health.

Ted was born in Androscoggin County on Nov. 30, 1927, the son of the late Edward Albert and Helen Bailey Parker. He was a longtime area resident and businessman in Mechanic Falls, and was a member of Black Forest Community Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. Ted was educated in Auburn public schools and graduated from Edward Little High School.

After graduation, he entered the U.S. Navy, in which he was a photographer mate during the Korean Conflict. After four years in the Navy, he attended the University of Houston and received his Bachelor of Arts degree. He then moved back to Mechanic Falls and operated TELJEF photos, before joining the family hardware business in 1959.

He took over ownership of E.A. Parker & Son and worked in the hardware business, until it was closed in 1985. He also owned West Paris Hardware Co., from 1971 to 1975. After retiring in 1985, he worked at Wilner Wood Products in Norway as a night watchman.

Ted served on various boards and committees in the town of Mechanic Falls. He was a member of the Mechanic Falls Lions Club and served on the board of directors at Mechanic’s Savings Bank for many years. He was active in Tyrian Lodge No. 73 AF & AM, where he served as lodge secretary for 25 years, and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Other Masonic York rite fraternities include the Royal Arch and Commandery and Red Cross of Constantine, in which he held the position of grand sovereign for the state of Maine from 1988-89.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Eleanor Barschdorf Parker; and sister, Diana Parker Penney. He married his second wife, Roberta (Bobbie) in 1989, and moved to Monmouth in 2000. In 2006, Ted and Bobbie relocated to Peyton, Colo., where he remained until his death.

He was an avid antique car enthusiast, a master Model-T mechanic as well as an experienced woodworker. He will be dearly missed.

Ted is survived by his wife of 25 years, Roberta Parker, of their home; daughter, Sharyl Corsetto (Craig), of Ijamsville, Md.; son, Jeffrey (Anita), of Kannapolis, N.C.; stepsons, Jeff and Robert Thurston; stepdaughter, Carol Heddings, all of Colorado; grandchildren, Brent and Danielle Corsetto and Jayson (Heather) and Bradley (Kendra) Parker; great-grandsons, Owen and Carter Parker; niece, Pamela Penney; nephews, Scott, Ted and John Penney; five step-grandchildren; and five step-great-grandchildren.