Arthur L. Parker

SANDUSKY—Arthur L. Parker, 86, of Sandusky, passed away early Wednesday morning, June 21, 2017, in The Willows at Willard after a lengthy illness.Arthur was born June 12, 1931, in Chilton County, Ala., to Lonnie and Sirleaner (Caver) Parker.He retired from Oakland Cemetery. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Arthur was a member and usher of Ebenezer Baptist Church. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing. His greatest joy was spending time with his family.Arthur is survived by his daughters, Verlea (Leon) Kea of Warsaw, N.C., and Renee (Russell) Sherman of Columbus; grandchildren, Faith, Jennifer and Andre Kea and Parker (Maresa) and Paige Sherman; brother, Lonnie Parker of Sandusky; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.In addition to his parents, Arthur was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Fannie (McKee) Parker; and siblings, Mattie Varner, Leola Parker, Jackson Parker, Henry Parker, Sirleaner Pearson, Joel Parker and John Parker.Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 29, at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 30, at the funeral home. Apostle Joyce K. Lawrence of Full Gospel Christian Church in Elizabethtown, N.C., will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Sandusky.Those wishing to contribute to Arthur's memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.Condolences may be shared with the family at grofffuneralhomes.com.