Joeseph Michael Parker
Joseph Michael Parker who died on the 14th of February 2023 aged 80. Joe joined the 5thBattalion of the Gloucestershire Regiment in January 1959 and in 1960 attended Junior Leader Regiment. He was posted to the 1st Battalion in 1960 and served with them until 1971 when he was posted back to junior leaders as Orderly Room Sergeant for two years and then back to the Regiment. In 1975 he was posted to 1 D&D, in 1976 to Depot Crickhowell, in 1978 Infantry Junior Leaders and in 1980 to 2 Mercian Regiment, all these postings were as Chief Clerk.
Joe served in Cyprus, Swaziland, Berlin, West Germany, and Northern Ireland leaving the army as Warrant Officer Class 2. Joe had been suffering from an aneurysm for some time and had a fall at the beginning of February in Shirehampton whilst shopping. He was taken to Southmead Hospital where they found his aneurysm had deteriorated and his kidneys were failing. Sadly his condition worsened and he was put on end-of-life care and made as comfortable as possible. Joe had his 80th birthday on Thursday 9th February and members of his family were at his bedside to celebrate although Joe was extremely ill. The hospital staff were very caring right to the end and Joe passed peacefully at 0815 on Tuesday, February 14th 2023.
Joe’s funeral will be at Canford Cemetery & Crematorium, Canford Road, Bristol BS9 3PQ at 1115hrs on 23rd March 2023. The venue for the wake has not yet been confirmed but will be included in a service notification closer to the date. Joe’s funeral is being organised by one of his cousins; Alan (Dusty) Miller – 157 Tring Road, Wendover, Bucks, HP22 6NZ. Tel 07736 740743 or 01296 696162. akjcmiller281@btinternet.com
Alan’s father was John ‘Dusty’ Miller (deceased) who also served 25 years with the Glosters including in Korea and his brother Andrew was also a Gloster for 25 years ending his career with the Royal Welch Fusiliers. Once again, on behalf of all members of the Regimental Association, we send our sincere condolences to Alan and the rest of the family. A service notification will be published closer to the event as a reminder.