Parker Panthers gather for annual alumni reunion

The Parker Rural High School class of 1966 members attending the reunion included, front row from left, Marylin Traul Chambers, Anna Gorrell Hansen, Charleta Dumcum Ungeheuer, Dillard Ungeheuer; back row, Bill Folsom, Doug McCarty and David Hodgson. (Photos by Roger Sims / Linn County Journal)

By Roger Sims, Journal staff

linncountyjournal@icloud.com

The Parker Rural High School alumni gathered for their annual reunion on Saturday, April 25. This year saw a change of venue, meeting at the Parker Community Center (the former senior center) instead of at Parker Elementary School.

Organizers reasoned that because the last class to graduate from PRHS was 1968, the smaller venue would work well. But the faithful alumni and their guests turned out in force, packing the building that rang with laughter, greetings and conversation as the classmates met again.

Click on the photos to see a full-size image.

Attending her 80-year reunion, Jean Keitel Nickell represents the class of 1946. She was the senior alumnus to attend. Until a just a few years ago she covered the Parker alumni event for the now-defunct Osawatomie Graphic.

Class of 1956 alumnus Norma Kay Hodgson Gorsuch attends her 70-year reunion.

PRHS class of 1961 was represented by, from left, Charles Hampton, Larry Kehl, Dewain Crouch, Tony Haas, Charlene Kittrell Woodward, and Charles Singer.

Members of the PRHS alumni board include, from left, Carol Burk Buckman ('67), Connie Holderman Snyder ('68), secretary Janice Woolsey Long ('62), vice president Marilyn Hampton Sheets Rhoades ('63), president Richard Chambers ('65), treasurer Stever Kinder ('65), and Albert Kerr ('65).

The Parker Thunderbirds 4-H Club served the meal to the alumni at the reunion.

Alexander Kerr received one of the PRHS alumni scholarships.

More images from the PRHS reunion: