Parke E. Plasterer

Parke E. Plasterer, 84, formerly of Fulton Street, Manheim, and resident of Luther Acres, Lititz, died peacefully Saturday, November 10, 2012 at the Lancaster General Hospital following a brief illness. Born in Manheim, he was the son of the late William S. Plasterer and Helen Erdman Plasterer Zink. In 1990 Parke retired from Graybill's Tool and Die Co., Manheim, where he worked for three years, previously he was employed for over 16 years for Weaver Industries Inc., Denver, where he started as a machinist, and later worked in estimating and purchasing for the firm. He served as president of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Parke began his education attending Manheim High School then transferred to Thaddeus Stevens Trade School and graduated with knowledge and skills that served him well, working for many machine companies in Lancaster County throughout his career. He was the loving husband of Joyce Givler Plasterer and they observed their 64th wedding anniversary in September of this year. Parke and Joyce enjoyed working together tending the PA Dutch Gift Stand at Central Market and Roots Market. He was a faithful and active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Manheim, where he served on the church council, was financial secretary, sang in the choir and played in the Sunday School Orchestra in his younger years. Parke also played in the "Moonlighters Big Band" of Lititz. Parke's interests included camping, fishing, golfing and photography. Parke had a life-long passion for Lions Club International. For the past 45 years Parke had been a member of the Manheim Lions Club. He held offices of President, Vice President, and chairman of many committees of the club and has been a Key Member. He was elected District Governor and helped form 12 Lioness Clubs in District 14-D. Through the district Parke was Co-chair of Leader Dogs for the Blind. Parke received the International President's Award, "The Melvin Jones Award" in 1988 for outstanding service. Parke was also presented a Fellow of Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Award in 1997. Parke was state coordinator and chairman of many committees as well as delegate to the state and international Conventions. He had a giving spirit and his passion for Lionism on both the local and district levels, and his dedication and devotion made him a great role model for other members as they helped enrich the lives of others and exemplified the Lions motto, "We Serve." Surviving in addition to his wife is a daughter, Sally P. wife of Gene Whitney of Fort Collins, CO, a son, William G. husband of Pam Brock Plasterer of Manheim, and a grandson, Matthew Whitney. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service at the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2 South Hazel Street, Manheim on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private in Manheim Fairview Cemetery, Penn Township. There will be a public viewing at the Buch Funeral Home, 21 Market Square, Manheim on Wednesday evening from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM with a Lion's Service of Remembrance at 8:00 PM on Wednesday. There will be additional viewing time at the church on Thursday from 12:00 Noon till the time of the service. Please omit flowers. Those desiring may send contributions in Parke's memory to: The Manheim Lions Club ( Leader Dogs For The Blind ) in care of Nevin Gish, Secretary, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606-5093.