John Elvis Parker, 81 of Grand Rapids, Mich., formerly of Princeton, passed away at home Monday, Oct. 17, 2011.

John was a graduate of Indiana State University, where he played football and received his PhD at Purdue University.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy; sons, John (Stephanie) Parker, Stan Parker; step-children, Dr. Carolyn Gascoigne (Jon Howe), Al Gascoigne; sisters, Barbara (Ed) Wessel, Loretta (Larry) Nell; five grandchildren; also nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Elizabeth.

Mass of Christian burial was offered Friday, Oct. 21 at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Grand Rapids, Msgr. Ernest P. Schneider, presiding.

Visitation was Thursday 6-8 PM at the O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd., SE and Friday one hour prior to the service at church.