Vernon Lee Parker, 71, of Mathias, WV passed away July 31, 2026 at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, VA and Deborah Sue Baker Parker, 69, of Mathias, WV, passed away August 1, 2026 at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville.
Vernon was born March 23, 1955 in Bergton to Esther Mongold Parker, of Broadway and the late Wilbert Guy Parker.
Deborah was born November 5, 1956 in Shenandoah County to the late Elmer Andrew Baker, Sr. and Lelia Barb.
Vernon retired from Walker Manufacturing as a forklift driver and welder, and Deborah retired from Lakeside Printing as a binding operator and loved to sew. They were both 1974 graduates of Broadway High School. They loved hunting, fishing and foraging for ramps. They both were members of the Fulks Run Ruritan Club where he served as a past president, and she was one of the first female members. Vernon loved to cook and his BBQ sauce became famous and was sold at Fulks Run Grocery as Vern’s BBQ sauce. Vernon retired from Walker Manufacturing as a forklift driver and welder, and Deborah retired from Lakeside Printing as a binding operator and loved to sew. They were both 1974 graduates of Broadway High School.
They loved hunting, fishing and hunting for ramps. They both were members of the Fulks Run Ruritan Club where he served as a past president, and she was one of the first female members.
Vernon loved to cook and his BBQ sauce became famous and was sold at Fulks Run Grocery as Vern’s BBQ sauce. Vernon and Deborah were members of Mtn. View Church of the Brethren in Mathias. They both loved their animals.
Vernon and Deborah were united in marriage on June 21, 1975.
Surviving them are two children; Crystal Parker Hammer and husband Jarman, of Elkton, Bradley Parker, of Mathias, WV, and three grandchildren; Kellie Caracofe, of TX, Emily Hammer, of Elkton and Lane Hammer, of Elkton.
Vernon was also survived by a brother; Bobby Parker and wife Cynthia, of Timberville, two nieces; SaDonna Layman, Chassidy Garrett and one nephew; Channing Layman. He was preceded in death by a sister; Peggy Layman.
Deborah was also survived by a sister; Rose Harper and husband Edgar, Sr., of Timberville, a brother; Robert S. Baker, Sr. and wife Patty, of Mt. Jackson, numerous step-siblings and numerous extended family. She was preceded in death by a brother; Elmer Andrew Baker, Jr.
Their wishes were to be cremated.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Aug. 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Grandle Funeral Home in Broadway.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grandlefuneralhome.com.
