Zane Grey Parker Obituary (1925 - 2019)

Zane Grey Parker passed away on September 24, 2019 after a brief battle with two strains of pneumonia. He was born on February 26, 1925 to Ralph and Tressa Parker. He spent his childhood years in Holbrook, ID; Erda, UT; and finally Granite, UT. Zane fell in love with his first wife, Annie (Bobbie) McDonald, when he was just 16. They were married until her death in 1988. He later married Marthalene (Martha) Larson; they spent nearly 24 years together until her death in 2013. He loved both women and their families dearly, and he was a devoted caregiver as their health declined. A talented musician and singer, Zane had the lead role in his school’s production of the operetta H.M.S. Pinafore. Later, he played the upright bass in a Western band with his brothers (Bud and Tex) and family friend Bruce Timothy. He harmonized beautifully with Tex. Zane performed wearing stylish outfits sewn by Bobbie; he always prized looking sharp. Zane held a deep love for the Utah wilderness and the West. His outdoor spirit perfectly aligned to his favorite job as a telephone lineman for Mountain Bell Company (now CenturyLink). When his seniority entitled him to an office job, he declined because he loved repairing downed lines outside. His territory spanned from Wendover, NV to Evanston, WY. Zane was always quick to respond to calls regardless of time, weather, and distance. He had no fear of heights as he scaled tall poles. He was featured in a Bruce Lindsey report as the last Utah lineman. He proudly displayed his climbing hooks in his living room. Zane was also known for his love for animals. He cared for stray cats and bought bags of birdseed for the magpies and mourning doves who frequented his backyard. He was a dog owner for many years. Occasionally he would buy them ice cream cones and allow them to lick them in the bed of his truck. Zane spent his final years at Sunrise Senior Living in Sandy, UT where he enjoyed serenading his fellow residents each Sunday evening as part of a new band composed of his niece and nephews. Dementia did not diminish his joy for living or his love for others. He always retained his cheery disposition, broad smile, and twinkling eyes. He is survived by his brother Smith (Ingrid), his stepchildren, nieces, nephews and grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wives, Bobbie and Martha; his parents; his brothers, Bud and Tex; and his sisters; Ivy, Audrey, and Zepha. The family would like to thank the staffs at Sunrise Senior Living of Sandy and Inspiration Hospice for their loving care. Both the viewing and funeral service will be held at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley on1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 South), South Jordan UT. The funeral will take place on Saturday, September 28, at 12:30 PM with a viewing one hour prior. Interment at Sandy City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to local animal shelters or wildlife preserves.