PARKER, William David

Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, June 16, 2013 - William David Parker, 70, passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Milemarker 175 in Lake Havasu City. He was born on Aug. 27, 1942, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Richard and Mittie (Perkins) Parker. Dave, as he was known to his family and friends, moved to Lake Havasu City 2 years ago from Dardanelle, Ark. He married Mary Kunkler-Parker on Oct. 1, 2007, in Booneville, Ark. A very strong and courageous man has said goodbye, but his spirit will live on forever. There will always be wonderful memories of him never getting lost on the ocean or large lakes. Dave would laughingly acknowledge his lack of land navigating skills. Dave's 2 sons were always on his mind and he was extremely proud of their achievements. His lifelong love of motorcycles started at the age of 12 when his father fixed up a junked scooter and gave it to him. His latest motorcycle had a sidecar for his dog Boomer. Together, they would take off and you could hear Boomer barking until they were out of sight. This is the motorcycle that took him on his last ride. He passed away doing what he loved to do and the motorcycle did not have one scratch on it when it was found. Dave was a proud retired Marine, serving 24 years, with a very compassionate side, especially to his dogs, Nicky, Boomer and Lucy. He was a member of the American Legion. We will always miss him and his endearing love and strength. Dave is survived by his wife, Mary Parker of Lake Havasu City; sons, Vance Emerson and Travis Wayne; sister, Brenda Pearson; nephew, Rodney (Melody) Elliott; step son, Richard Askin; step daughter, Paula Norman. He was preceded in death by his mother and father. Contributions can be made in Dave's name to the Western Arizona Humane Society, 1100 Empire Drive, LHC, AZ. 86403. Please send condolences to the family at http://www.lakehavasumortuary.com/. Arrangements are under the care of Lake Havasu Mortuary and Crematory, Veteran and Family owned. _______________________________________________________ Today's News-Herald, Lake Havasu City, AZ - Posted: Sunday, June 9, 2013 - Havasu man found dead along SR 95 BY KIM BURGESS TODAY’S NEWS-HERALD A passerby discovered a motorcyclist dead by the side of the road from unknown causes Friday afternoon. According to Trish Carter, spokesperson for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Department, William Parker, 70, was found just off Highway 95 near SARA Park around 5 p.m. The Lake Havasu City resident’s death “does not appear to be accident related,” Carter said, adding that sheriffs are waiting for autopsy results in the ongoing investigation. The autopsy should take a week to complete unless toxicology tests are required, which take several months. You may contact the reporter at kburgess@havasunews.com.