WORCESTER – Allen Alton Parker of Parker Road, Decatur, passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at the age of 81.

He was born on October 9, 1927, near Boston, Mass., Allen was the son of Harold and Vilda (Allen) Parker.

Allen spent his younger years in Port Grenville, Nova Scotia and Yonkers, followed by service to his country as a Merchant Seaman at the end of the Second World War.

In 1947 the entire family relocated to the current family farm in Decatur. There Allen tended the family farm, which was his passion, for the rest of his life. Through his warm heart and quick wit, Allen was genuinely liked by all. Throughout his life, Allen helped raise and mentor many of his nieces and nephews. He was a source of inspiration to them and many others who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father; sisters, Helen Ingraham and Helena Adair; sister-in-law, Edwinda Parker; and a nephew, Butch Parker.

He is survived by his beloved brother, Roy Parker and sister, Chloe Van Valen.

We wish to express our thanks to all his good friends and neighbors, for all their help and encouragement throughout the years, they all meant so much to him.

He will be dearly missed by many, but his work, stories, humor, helpfulness and adventures will live on in the minds of those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2008 at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester, with the Rev. Keith VanDewerker, retired, officiating. Interment will follow at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester.

At the request of the family, contributions may be made to the East Worcester Fire Department, PO Box 781, East Worcester, NY 12064 or the Catskill Area Hospice & Palliative Care, 1 Birchwood Dr., Oneonta, NY 13820.

To sign the guest book or send a condolence to the family, visit, www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com

The E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester, is serving the family.