1933 – 2015

BENNINGTON, Vt. — Alton J. “Sonny” Parker Sr., 81, died Monday, Jan. 26, at the Vermont Veterans’ Home in Bennington.

Sonny was born on June 9, 1933, to Alton and Mildred (Hoy) Parker. He graduated from Lewiston High School in 1953, and served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956. He married Betty Sue Emmons in Loogootee, Ind., in 1956.

Sonny was employed at Pratt & Whitney in Wallingford, Conn., for 17 years, moving to Branson, Mo., and working for Associated Grocers in Springfield, Mo., for 24 years.

He enjoyed genealogy, building wooden model airplanes and making puzzles of all kinds. He was a talented and meticulous woodworker.

Sonny leaves his wife, Betty; son, Alton J. Parker Jr., of Monrovia, Md.; daughter, Justine Gifford, of St. Louis, Mo.; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; a sister, Emma Belanger, of Lewiston; and two brothers, Fred Parker and wife, Edie, of Freeport and Bradenton, Fla., and Gene Parker of Portsmouth, N.H.

You are invited to share your thoughts and condolences for Sonny through his guest book at www.sheafuneralhomes.com.