Harvey “Parker” Tagsold

Harvey “Parker” Tagsold, Jr., age 80, passed away Wednesday, March 23, 2016.
He was born May 24, 1935, the only son of Harvey “Parker” and Doris (Hawkins) Tagsold Sr., and was a 1953 graduate of Blissfield High School where he was co-captain of the “Sugar Boys” basketball team.  After two years at Albion College he transferred to Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science and graduated with the Class of 1956.
On February 24,1978, Parker married Patricia Nighswander at the First United Methodist Church in Blissfield.
Parker was a partner in the family business, Tagsold Furniture and Funeral Home with his father, and later with his son, Douglas, until his retirement in 1984.  He then became an independent contractor, transporting hazardous waste and later delivering motor homes.
Parker held a commercial pilot’s license for over 60 years accumulating 3,000 hours of safe flying.  He loved being active, spending time hunting, boating, catching fish, flying, traveling, camping, skiing in both the USA and Europe, bowling and being with his family.  Never wanting to be idle, Parker was active in the community serving on the Blissfield Village Council, Blissfield Board of Education, Blissfield Fire Department where he was Fire Chief four years, Past President of Blissfield Rotary Club, Lenawee County Planning and Solid Waste Committees, Board of Directors of Jipson Carter State Bank, National Ski Patrol at Boyne Highlands, Free and Accepted Masons Palmyra Lodge and Zenobia Shriners Toledo.
Introduced at a young age to classical music, he went on to participate in Blissfield High School Band, Albion College Band and Orchestra, Zenobia Shrine Brass Band and Blissfield United Brethren Church Brass Ensemble.
In his retirement Parker and Pat traveled extensively in their RV, participating in several caravans including Alaska and Eastern Canada Maritime region.  They joined Habitat for Humanity Caravaners, and, with fellow RVers, participated in building projects around the United States that led to many lasting friendships.
In addition to his wife of 38 years, Patricia, he is survived by his children: Douglas Parker (Diane) Tagsold and Linda Jean Cantrell, both of Blissfield, Jeffrey Scott (Laura) Tagsold of Dewitt, MI; step-children, Barbara Cambal and Brian (Denise) Mallory, both of Blissfield; 14 grandchildren; one great granddaughter and a step great grandchild; a sister, Marilyn Hatfield of Ventura, CA; and brother-in-law, Jim Hoenig of Chandler, AZ.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his second wife, Patricia Bierman; sister, Janis Hoenig; step-daughter, Connie Jo Nine; and son-in-law, Steve Cantrell.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, March 29, 2016, at Blissfield Baptist Church with Rev. Thomas Frantz officiating.
Contributions in memory of Parker are suggested to Blissfield Baptist Church or Blissfield Fire Department.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Tagsold Chapel where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHome.com.