Donald W. Parke

Donald W. Parke, 96, of Lancaster, passed away on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Hospice& Community Care in Mount Joy.  He was the loving husband of Frances (Kenner) Parke.  Born in Sayre, PA, he was the son of Jasper and Alta (Wright) Parke.

He graduated from Duke University in 1941, served as a captain in the army during World War II, and spent much of his career as an executive with Penn Ag Industries.  He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster.

A Master Gardener, Donald’s diverse creative activities included art, carpentry, and cooking. In addition, he had a great appreciation for history and music, having been a band leader and pianist in both high school and college, which helped to fund his education at Duke.

In addition to his wife he is survived by a daughter, Donna Ornston (wife of Nicholas); a grandson, Darius Ornston (Roxy Burghelea); a step-granddaughter Alexandra Ornston (Makoto Ueda); a great-grandson, Eric Ornston; and three step-great-granddaughters Maya, Lana and Kaya Ueda.  He was predeceased by a daughter, Linda Gallagher (wife of Peter).

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Memorial Service at First Presbyterian Church, 140 E Orange St, Lancaster, PA 17602, on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with the Rev. Dr. Donald W. Hackett officiating.  Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service.  Interment will be in the First Presbyterian Church Memorial Gardens.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125 or to the Mennonite Home, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601.