Andrew Benhart Parker

Andrew Benhart Parker died just after Noon on Satuday, April 24, 2010 at the in-patient care unit of Hospice Compassus in Payson, Arizona. He was 90 years old. Andrew was born on November 12, 1919 in Custer, Yellowstone County, Montana to the late Charles Inghram and Luella Carolina (Benhart) Parker. He received his education in Wilsall, Montana. On November 12, 1938, he married his first wife, Adeline Frances Downey. Their marriage later ended in divorce and following her second marriage, she preceded him in death. A few years after he was first married, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific Theater on a merchant ship. He received his honorable discharge then began a long and successfull career working with the railroad. He worked both as a brakeman and switchman for Northern Pacific Railroad, which later became Burlington Northern Railroad. On September 3, 1954 he married his second wife, Lois Metier Hembree Parker. Together they enjoyed nearly 41 years as husband and wife. She preceded him in death in 1995. Andrew was able to retire from the railroad in 1979 and thoroughly enjoyed his retirement years. In 1998 he moved to Show Low, Arizona to be near his daughters, Penny Harmon and Shirley Kidwell. He loved the beauty of the White Mountains because they reminded him of his native Montana home, where he loved to go camping and fishing. Andrew was a motorcycle enthusiast and owned several of them through the years; his first was a Harley, then an Indian, and finally, his Gold Wing. He literally drove tens of thousands of miles on his motorcycles. Andrew was also known to "cut a rug" and loved to dance throughout his long life. He also appreciated the simple pleasure he found from drinking a good ol' cup-of-joe everyday. In addition to his parents and wife, Andrew was also preceded in death by a daughter, Shirley Jean Kidwell in 2003. He is survived by: 1 daughter, Mary Luella "Penny" (Charles A.) Harmon of Show Low, Arizona; 3 step-children: Bill (Penny) Hembree of Kent, Washington, Carol (Bob) Bishop of Vancouver, Washington, Guy Hembree of Billings, Montana; 5 grandchildren: Ty (Brenda) Harmon of Show Low, Arizona, Kimberlee (Jay) Bingham of Mesa, Arizona, Shannon (Bobby) Cockrum of Queen Creek, Arizona, Brian Kidwell of Show Low, Arizona, Penny (John) Hathaway of Apache Junction, Arizona; 13 great-grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren and numberous step-great-grandchildren. Private family graveside services will be scheduled at a later date in Livingston, Montana where military honors will be rendered. Penny and her family is grateful for all the love and support they have received and would welcome those who'd like to send a condolence to visit the Owens Livingston Mortuary website to do so.