Franklin Dion Parker

Dion passed peacefully on May 17, 2023, at his home in Fair Oaks, California. Dion was born in Gary, Indiana on October 10, 1934, to Edna Marie (Potts) and Otis L. Grissom. Dion later took the surname of his stepfather, John R. Parker, when his mother remarried.

Dion was a business owner, a gifted artist, and was skilled in woodworking and home renovations. Above all, he was kind and generous with a great sense of humor. Dion treasured his lifelong friends, extended family, and dear neighbors. He readily welcomed new friends into his life.

Dion graduated in the Class of '54 at Colton Union High School in California. He married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Ruth Smith from Chicago in 1955. Together they had one child, Cindi Maria born August 14, 1957. Cindi and her husband, John Anthony Schwander of Rocklin, California had two children: Alex and Samantha. Their dear Cindi died suddenly on December 23, 2007, after a brief illness.

In 1964, when Dion, Marilyn and Cindi relocated to the Sacramento area, Dion established his business which became known as Dion’s Signs. He crafted signs for local clients and communities, including Old Town Sacramento. Dion's Signs closed its doors in 1990 so that Dion could provide more care for Marilyn during her long illness. In those years he ran Dion’s Handyman Service and worked at Sears and Home Depot. Marilyn passed away on February 23, 2015.

Dion is survived by his grandchildren, his son-in-law and five sisters: Gaile (Parker) Lawson, Johnnye (Parker) Gerber, Jeanine (Grissom) Fleming, Marian (Grissom) Craig and Karol (Grissom) Beatty. Dion is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Dion was preceded in death by his wife Marilyn and daughter Cindi, as well as his sister Lillian (Parker) Bird and brothers Kenneth C. Grissom and Patrick L. Grissom.

To celebrate his life, Dion’s family and friends will gather at his Fair Oaks home on Saturday June 10, between 2:00-4:00p.m. In lieu of flowers, his family welcomes you to join them in giving to one of these memorials to Dion:

- A scholarship in Dion’s name will be awarded to a Valley High School senior next year, with college assistance for the selected student. Dion loved to hear the stories of students motivated to be successful and to overcome obstacles in their lives. To contribute to this memorial fund, you can write your check to Valley High School Scholarship. Please mail in care of Valerie Welch, 8523 Creekwood Way, Fair Oaks, CA 95628.

- Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento made a wonderful contribution to Dion when they provided a new roof and painted his house. Donations in memory of Dion Parker may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, 819 N. 10th Street, Sacramento, CA 95811. 

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