Charles J. Parker, Former Oxford Mayor, Dies Sunday

Services for Prominent Businessman Held Tuesday Afternoon in Pt. Paul's Church.  Had Been Ill Since Late October

(Jan. 5, 1941)

CHARLES JOEL PARKER

  Charles Joel Parker, aged 62 years, proprietor of the Parker Insurance Agency and former mayor of the village, died at his home on Merchant street, Sunday afternoon, following an illness which started early in October.

   Mr. Parker was born in Coventryville, Sept. 26, 1878, the son of Peter H. and Adelaide Pearsall Parker.  He attended district school there until he was 14 when he came to Oxford where he graduated from the Academy in 1897.  He then attended the Sheffield Scientific School at Yale University, graduating in 1900.

   He taught school for two years at Summit, N. J., immediately after completing his college course and then was engaged in the lumber business with his father.  

OPERATED AUTO AGENCY

   When automobiles became popular, Mr. Parker became associated with John Benedict, now of Norwich, in the sales and service of cars, in Binghamton.  Later he returned to Oxford and with the late C. L. Stone, organized the Oxford Motor Sales, Co., Inc., agency which was very successful here.

   About three years ago, he purchased the Stone Insurance business and since then has operated that with an office in the Bank building.

   Mr. Parker was one of Oxford's most active men in business, civic, fraternal and social organizations.  He was president of the board of trustees of Oxford Memorial Library and a member of the board of trustees of Riverview cemetery.  He served for many years on the village board and was mayor for three terms of two years each.

WAS ROTARY'S FIRST PRESIDENT

   He was a charter member of Oxford Rotary and the first present of that organization.  Unable to attend since his illness, he sent in his resignation two weeks ago and the club immediately conferred on him, honorary membership.

   He was also secretary of Oxford Masonic Lodge and Oxford Chapter and held memberships in the Chamber of Commerce, Lake Ludlow Club, Citizens' Club and Incognito Club.  He was a vestryman of St. Paul's church.

   Mr. Parker was a sportsman at heart and his genial ways and understanding of various sports events, made him one of the most popular of the fans attending baseball, football, basketball and other similar games here.

   He was united in marriage with Florence Van Wagenen, May 29, 1912.  She survives him together with three daughters, Miss Barbara Parker, now in her senior year in the medical college of New York University; Miss Catherine Parker, who teaches at the Hartridge School, Plainfield, N. J., and Miss Mary Parker, a teacher in the Westover School in Middlebury, Conn.; and one niece, Miss Elizabeth Allen of Mobile, Alabama.  

   Funeral services were held in St. Paul's church, Tuesday afternoon.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE.