Alfred B. Parker
Alfred Brooks Parker, 90, died on March 8, 2025, in Hardin, Illinois. He was born in Jamestown, NY on Feb. 4, 1935, son of Harold E. and Anna B. Parker. He graduated from Southwestern Central High School in 1953 and was Senior Class President and Class Valedictorian. He sang in the chorus, played French horn in the band and baritone horn in the marching band and Lakewood Bugle and Drum Corps.
Always tall, thin, and “raw-boned”, he had an amazing resemblance to Abraham Lincoln and presented the Gettysburg Address annually at school, thus earning the nickname “Abe.” He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology at SUNY-Binghamton and began teaching and graduate work at Hamilton College and Colgate University.
He entered the doctoral program at Columbia University and while there was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to Norway to study outcroppings of orbicular norite stones, the subject of his dissertation. He continued his teaching career at SUNY-Plattsburgh and then on to Principia College in western Illinois. When he left teaching he settled in the village of Hardin, IL where he lived for over 40 years, working various jobs, did contract consulting, and much volunteering for civic committees and non-profits. He again resumed his love of music by singing many years with the Calhoun County Chorus.
He had a lifelong love of learning and studied in depth any topic that interested or challenged him. He also developed many collections of items, the largest of which was rocks and minerals from around the world.
Alfred never married nor had children, but is survived by two sisters, Carol Patton (Dick) of Sherman, NY, and Joann Ransom (Ed, deceased) of Brocton, NY. He has several cousins in the Chautauqua area and is “fond” uncle to many nieces and nephews throughout the United States and abroad. Hardin, Illinois became his “home” and its citizens were his “family” and benefactors of his dry wit, outstanding intelligence and gentle manner.
A small memorial service will be arranged locally at a later date.
Remembrances may be sent to charity of one’s choice. Online condolences can be made at www.kallalandschaaf.com.