Robert Gray Parker, 65, of Freeburg, died July 27, 2014.

He was born Feb. 15, 1949 in Galveston, Texas.

Robert worked in the elevator industry for more than 35 years.  After Robert retired, he began doing what he loved most in life:  training problem horses through supple horsemanship and teaching all ages to ride.

He was a member of Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church, Sparta, where he taught Reformed Theology to the adult Sunday school class.  Whether it was horse training or theology, he studied diligently, knowing that he could always learn something new.

This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through; 

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.  

The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, 

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

They’re all expecting me and that’s one thing I know,

My Savior pardoned me, and now I onward ago; 

I know He’ll take me through though I am weak and poor, 

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

Just up on gloryland we’ll live eternally, 

The saints on every hand are shouting victory.  

Their songs of sweetest praise drift back from heaven’s shore, 

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Parker and Opal, nee Gray Parker; his brother, Harry “Butch” Parker Jr.; and his brothers-in-law, Gary and Kent Heidenreich.

Surviving are his wife, Rosemarie Heidenreich Parker of Freeburg, whom he married May 17, 1995; his sister, Judy (Hoyt) Richardson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Roland and Elsie Heidenreich; one brother-in-law, Michael (Cathy) Heidenreich; two sisters-in-law,  Kay (Greg) Zimmerman and Elaine Heidenreich; his aunt, Velta (Bill) Morris; his uncle, Claude Gray; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice Foundation in St. Louis.

Visitation will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. Aug. 1 at Renner Funeral Home in Freeburg and 10 to 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church in Sparta.

Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church in Sparta.

Private interment will be take place at St. Paul’s Cemetery in Freeburg.