Ralph Leon Parke

Ralph Leon Parke, 78, of Dalton, died Thursday at Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro, S.C., while returning to his winter home in Florida after the holiday season. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, the former Janet Ruth Eshelman.

Ralph was born in Peckville, the son of the late Donald Ralph and Violet Elizabeth Webb Parke. He graduated from Scott High School, where he was president of Future Farmers of America. As a high school student, Ralph used his entrepreneurial skills to turn his father's 600 chickens into a major operation. At one point, the farm had 40,000 chickens and produced more than 20,000 eggs daily. Ralph also served in the Army in Europe from 1954 to 1956. In 1970, Ralph launched Lo-Jan Travel Center, a recreational-vehicle dealership, with his friend Harold "Buzz" Hoffman on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Dickson City. This operation expanded to motorcycles to become Honda Northeast.

Ralph was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church for more than 45 years. He served in many leadership capacities, including deacon and chairman of the building committee.

Ralph had a love for travel. He and Janet traveled worldwide, making many trips to Europe and Japan. However, their favorite places to visit were Fort Wilderness Campground at Walt Disney World, the Florida Keys and Ocean City, N.J. In retirement, Ralph also became an avid sports fan. He especially enjoyed following the Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles.

Also surviving are two sons, Kevin and wife, Leila, Concord, Mass.; and David and wife, Robin, Philadelphia; two daughters, Linda Boyer and husband, Joe, North Wales; and Susan Higley and husband, Bill, Clarks Summit; 13 grandchildren, Erik, Emily, Justin and Matthew Boyer; Erin, Nathan, Andrew and Alex Higley; and Chris, Calvin, Oliver, Tyler and Ella Parke; a sister, Donna Boos and husband, John, Mount Cobb; a brother, James and wife, Theresa, Montdale; a brother-in-law, Bruce Frisbie, Marshalls Creek; nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be Monday at 10 a.m. in Grace Bible Church, 130 University Drive, Dunmore, to be officiated by the Rev. Terry Ribble, pastor. Interment, private at Dunmore Cemetery. Friends may call Sunday, 3 to 6 p.m., at Lawrence E. Young Funeral Home, 418 S. State St., Clarks Summit. Online condolences may go to www.law renceeyoungfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Grace Bible Church.