Richard Parker

Richard “Dick” Gilbert Parker was a cowboy and horseman his entire life. Born in Red Lodge, MT on June 15, 1928 to William and Hannah Parker, at a young age he took to horses. He worked for the Owens Brothers Ranch cowboying and gathering wild horses from Bearcreek, MT to the McCulloch Peaks near Cody, WY. He loved reminiscing about those days. He competed in many rodeo events but preferred saddle bronc riding. Dick was a veteran of Korean War serving as a Sergeant in 40th Infantry 625th Artillery Unit. He was honorably discharged. Soon after, he met and married Mildred Shrader in Red Lodge on June 27, 1953. They had two sons, William “Bill” and Doyle and he loved taking them to ropings and rodeos. Their Lockwood home became an open house for kids and traveling cowboys who knew they had a warm bed and good meal at the Parker house. Besides their two sons, the Parkers were influential in raising many, many young people. With his family, Dick was inducted into Montana Pro-Rodeo Hall and Wall of Fame in 2014. After he retired, he shod horses, ponied race horses, yarded-back at BLS and trained and traded horses. He quit shoeing horses in his early 80s and quit riding when he was 85. His pastime, passion and second career was buying and selling horses. With his best friend, Clay Donohoe, he traveled many miles to horse sales. They scoured the loose horse pen for potential ride prospects. He was a career sheet metal worker and was a proud member of the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 103. He died at the age of 89 on April 19, 2018. He is survived by his wife, of almost 65 years, Millie Parker of Billings; son Doyle (Michelle); four grandchildren, Delon, Elle, Trevor and Bo; and two great-grandchildren, Kayda and Gabe. He was preceded in death by his son, William “Bill” (Jann) Parker. No services are planned. Per Dick's request, memorials can be sent to the cowboy crisis fund of your choice. Arrangements are in the care of Dahl Funeral Chapel and memories may be shared at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com