EUGENE "GENE" JAMES PARKER, of Crown Point, IN, passed into eternal rest on May 26,2023, at the amazing age of 100. Eugene passed following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.  Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Evangeline parents, Albert and Clara Parker, brother Donald 'Mickey' Parker. Eugene grew up in Hammond IN. He served his country in World War II, serving under General Omar Bradley. After the war he met and married the love of his life, Evangeline Parker (nee Hashu). Starting their family in Hammond, they moved to Griffith before settling in Merrillville.

Eugene is survived by 5 children, Diane (Gregory) Hovan of Crown Point, Nancy (Alfred) Berg of Lakes of the Four Serasons, John (late partner Peter Rivera) Parker of El Paso, Texas, Joel (Barbara) Parker of Griffith, and Gloria Parker of Crown Point.  Grandchildren Steven (Stephanie) Hovan, Kathleen (Joshua) LeMaster, Angela (James) Mackenzie, Matthew (Jessica) Berg, Sara (Corey) Rhoades, Kevin (Jenna), Colin, and Brian (fiancee Moira Kelly) Parker.  He had many precious great-grandchildren, neices and nephews.  We cannot forget his best little buddy (or as he called her 'baby') Bandit the terrier.

Following his retirement from Inland Steel, Eugene worked alongside his wife and daughters at their deli, Angie's Deli in Merrillville.  Gene was a voracious reader, with a special fondness of murder/mystery novels and historical fiction.  Was still working crossword puzzles, and playing mean games of pinochle, euchre and scrabble at 99! A great baker as well, his homemade breads were amazing.  Blessed with a wonderful singing voice, he was also known to break into the appropriate song for any occasion, and truly enjoyed singing.

A devout Catholic, Eugene was steadfast in his faith. You would not meet a kinder or more generous man, and he lived his 100 years to the fullest.  We will grieve his passing but rejoice at his reunion with Evangeline, and knowledge that he will be watching over us.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 4, 2023, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Geisen Funeral Home, 606 E 113th Ave, Crown Point, IN 46307. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 5, DIRECTLY at St. Mary Catholic Church, 321 E. Joliet St., Crown Point, IN 46307with Very Rev. Kevin R. Huber officiating. Eugene will lie in state at the church from 10:30 AM until time of Mass. Burial to follow at Memory Lane Cemetery in Crown Point, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Veterans Administration Hospice, or animal shelter of your choice in Eugene's name would be appreciated. John S. Pruzin and Son, Funeral Directors entrusted with arrangements.