Doyne Franklin "Speedy" Parker

Doyne Franklin “Speedy” Parker, 88, of Elkhart, passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at East Lake Nursing & Rehabilitation. He was born on October 4, 1935, in Cotton Plant, AR, to the late Benjamin Franklin and Mattie Lillian (Crafford) Parker. On June 29, 1958, Speedy married the love of his life, Addaline Heffner, in Elkhart.

Speedy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Addaline Parker; children, Carrie Miller and Randy Parker; grandchildren, Felicia “Little Angel” Miller and Jasmine “Jassie” (Austin) Miller; special niece and nephew, Brenda and Jim Scriba, along with many other nieces and nephews; beloved coffee buddy, Les Morey; close friends, Carla and Clyde Riley; caregiver and family friend, Chris Lovette; his East Lake Nursing Cottage family; beloved “grandpups”, Parker, Bellah, and Bailey, and “grandcat”, Oliver; along with a loving host of extended family, friends, and acquaintances.

In addition to his parents, Speedy was preceded in death by his brothers, Lennon and Troy Parker; sisters, Louise Beard, Charlie Smith-Hawks, Elizabeth Ballowe, and Baby Nell Parker; and beloved “grandpup” Tchotchke.

Per Speedy’s wishes, cremation has been chosen and the family will hold a celebration of life gathering in his honor on Saturday, March 30, 2024, from 12 pm to 3 pm at the Boardwalk Retirement Community’s Clubhouse, 2105 Osolo Rd, Elkhart, IN 46514. Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart is aiding the family with arrangements.

Speedy proudly served his country in the US Army from February 1953 to February 1954. After his honorable discharge, he worked for numerous grocers and eventually ended up taking ownership and operating Kelley’s Grocery in Elkhart for 12 years until retirement. It should be noted that during his time at Kelley’s, Speedy enjoyed meeting new people and adored each patron that came to the store as they each brought him so much joy.

After retiring, Speedy, alongside Addaline, moved to Arkansas and stayed for about 8 years. The couple had made many lasting friendships over the years there and those interactions truly helped Speedy come out of his shell.

In his spare time, Speedy enjoyed birdwatching and admiring nature, attending various flea markets along with his wife, and watching episodes of The Andy Griffith Show or old Western movies, which he loved to call his “shoot ‘em ups”.

Speedy will best be remembered as a hardworking man with a kind, gentle, and sweet soul. He could befriend anyone he met and was a phenomenal husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He, along with all the love and joy he shared, will be dearly missed by those whose hearts he touched throughout his life.

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