IRAQ – Richard K. Parker, 26, of Avon was killed in action June 14, in Iraq, while serving in the Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was born Dec. 9, 1980, in Strong, a son of Scott Hood and Dixie Parker. He was a sergeant in the Army National Guard and served with the ABTRY 152 FA., for nine years.

He truly loved what he was doing in serving his country. He received the Bronze Star posthumously. He was a graduate of Mt. Abram High School, Class of 1999. He loved to hunt, fish and four-wheeling. Just about anything that had to do with the great outdoors.

He enjoyed many things in his short life. Some being collecting coins, rocks and fossils. Everything seemed to fascinate him. He was a caring and thoughtful person who got his greatest enjoyment out picking on his sisters. He enjoyed reading Fantasy books and collecting wizards and dragons. There were many people he loved and who loved him in return. He was our son, grandson, brother, father, lover and friend. And we are all going to miss him very much.

He is survived by his mother, Dixie Flagg, and stepfather, Jerry Flagg, of Avon; his father, Scott Hood, and stepmother, Flora, of Strong; his fiancée, Ashley Smith and his son, Keegan Smith, of Wilton; one brother, William Parker of Farmington; three sisters, Meghan Parker of Strong, Stephanie Hood of Strong and Cheyenne Flagg of Avon; maternal grandmother, Dawn Adams of Avon; paternal grandmother, Barbara Hood of Strong; stepgrandparents, Dorothy Savage, and husband, Frank, of Avon and John Flagg of Avon; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; extended family, stepfather, Jeff Wing of Madrid; stepbrother, Jason Wing of Madrid; stepsister, Jamie Wing of Strong.

He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Richard Parker Sr. and Roger Hood.