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FLOYDE ARDIE PARKER ~ Class of 1954
January 4, 1935 - June 10, 2004

Ardie passed away peacefully June 10, 2004. He was born January 4, 1935 in Central City, CO.
Ardie moved from Denver, CO with  his family to Ricbland WA in 1944.

He attended Sacajawea Elementary, Carmichael Jr. High and graduated in 1954 from Col-Hi, now
known as RHS. Ardie was extremely "Proud of the Cloud" and of being a Richland Bomber. He
attended Club 40 with his brother Jerry in 1999 and had the time of his life.

Ardie lettered in Baseball while at Col-Hi and was scouted by several Major League teams, 
but had already enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he honorably served as an Airborne Ranger.

Ardie was a past member of the Elks, Eagles, Corvette Club, and Rods and Roadsters. He 
was the past president of the Undertakers Motorcycle Club.

Ardie met and worked for Bob (Evel) Knievel at Moses Lake Honda. He was Lead Mechanic 
during the height of Evel's stunt career, which led to a life long friendship. He later 
became an Auto Body Man and was employed by Rube's and Bryant's Auto Body Shops.
He was an excellent Custom Painter

Ardie was preceded in death by his Mom and Dad, Babe and Floyde Parker who he loved and
respected with all his heart.

Ardie is survived by his brothers and sisters, Jerry Parker ('57 * '58) of Bellevue, 
Barbara Parker Grant ('62), Linda Parker Lott and Bob Parker of the Tri-Cities. His Aunt Sis 
(Eva Faye York), of Johnstown CO and Uncle Del and Aunt Ann Parker of Chula Vista CA. Also 
surviving are numerous "crumb snatchers", "rug rats" and "curtain climbers", better known 
as his nieces and nephews.

Ardie will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Until we meet again, Rest in peace, Brother.


Written by Barbara Parker Grant ('62), September 1999

Mr brother, Ardie, (Floyde Ardie Parker) was born in Central City,
Colorado on January 4, 1935. He was named for my Dad, (Floyde Golden
Parker) and my Granddad, (Ardie Golden Parker).

He was a beautiful baby and very small, weighing less than 4 pounds and
only 12 inches long! He was born with "club feet" and had several
operations before he was one year old. He had to wear braces for a year
or so after that. My Mother said you could hear him walking with those
metal braces hitting the floor. He was so small he could walk under the
table easily.

He lived with my parents in Colorado until he was 10 years old. The
family moved to Richaland, Washington in 1944, when he was in the 4th
grade. Mom said she would take him to school everyday, but Ardie would
wait until Mom was out of sight, then he would sit on the school steps
for the rest of the day! The teacher finally called to see why Ardie
wasn't in school, so he was caught! From then on he attended school every
day.

Ardie was a very good baseball player, (he took after Dad and Uncle Del,
(Delbert Lee Parker). He played "ball" all through school. He was also a
fast runner and one day, when he was in high school challenged Dad in a
race. Well, he got a big surprise...Daddy won! I will never forget that
day and neither will Ardie!

After graduating from Columbia Senior High School in 1954 he joined the
Army. It was then he became an Airborne Ranger. He made over 200 "jumps"
while in the service. His love for motorcycles began at that time

When Ardie came home he went to work for Northern Pacific Railroad for a
couple of years. He moved to Moses Lake, Washington to work in the sugar
beets. It was there, he met a guy by the name of Bob Knievel, better
known as, Evel Knievel! He worked for Evel for the next few years as his
mechanic and was working for him until the big crash at Caesars Palace in
Las Vegas. Ardie had his own Harley (motorcycle) and raced also. The
first time I ever saw Ardie race, he was in 1st place and his "bike" went
down! He was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. He had a pin put in
his shoulder. Needless to say, I never went to any more of his races!

He attended Columbia Basin college, taking Auto Body courses. He worked
as a "Auto Body" man 30 years and was known as the best car painter in
the area!

Ardie had many girlfriends and was engaged a couple of times, but if he
thought they were getting "Wedding Bell-itis," he would end the
relationship. He always said, he wanted a girl just like Grandma, (Cora
May Elliott Parker). Dad always told him, "Son, you better go to church
if you want a girl like Grandma!"

After Dad passed away, Ardie moved in with Mom. He lived there with her,
until she died. It was good for Mom. She had never lived alone before and
it gave her someone to take care of. It was also good for Ardie, it gave
him someone to take care of, too.

Ardie has never been one to buy gifts, but the year after Mom passed
away, on Christmas he bought me one. It is the most beautiful diamond
watch! He said, "You know, you are Mom now!" What a surprise... I will
cherish it always!

I have gotten to know my big brother in the last five years and he is a
warm hearted, fun loving guy. I love him very much!