Obituary of Raymond L. Parbel

Raymond Lynn Parbel, 72, of Stow, Ohio passed away on June 14, 2016 at his home. Ray was born in Akron, Ohio to Kenneth and Wilma (Boles) Parbel. He attended Akron Public Schools and proudly served his country in the United States Army with a three-year tour in Germany. After many years with Kroger Foods Transportation Division, he began a family landscaping business, Freedom Lawn & Tree Co., from which he eventually retired. Ray is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan Loucks; brother, Lee Parbel of Marshfield, Wisconsin; sister, Rebecca Boggs of Charlotte, North Carolina; sons, David Parbel of Flagstaff, Arizona and Daniel Parbel of Miami, Florida; four grandchildren, Jenna Wilkinson and Kyle Parbel of Las Vegas, Nevada, Catherine and Alex Parbel of Dade City, Florida; two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; son, Raymond Parbel, Jr.; and brothers, Kenneth Parbel, Jr. and Dale Parbel. Ray was a true animal lover and outdoorsman. Animals were innately drawn to him. His backyard stocked pond was full of ducks, geese, black swans, and an occasional blue heron. He raised chickens and turkeys and appeared to be the pied piper as they all followed him around the yard. Ray hand-raised several orphaned Canada goslings, one of which chose to stay and become a family pet for over twelve years. Ray loved Hungarian Vizsla dogs and has had one or more by his side for over 30 years. He was an expert marksman, gunsmith, lifetime member of the NRA, and a true patriot. Ray was also an excellent caregiver as he lovingly nursed his wife through numerous surgeries and medical issues. Ray was truly beloved by his wife, family and friends. He will be greatly missed. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Stow EMS for their quick, professional response and to the many medical professionals at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All are invited to the Redmon Funeral Home, 3633 Darrow Rd., Stow for calling hours on Friday, June 24 from 5 to 8 pm. Ray’s funeral service will take place Saturday, June 25, at the Chapel of the First United Methodist Church, 245 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, at 11 am with Dr. John Schluep officiating. Burial will follow at Chestnut Hill Cemetery, 2613 Sackett Ave., Cuyahoga Falls. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, 5623 New Milford Rd., Ravenna, Ohio 44266.