Robert J. Parker

Robert James "Bob" Parker, 80, of Livingston, passed away on January 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with a rare cancer. Born on September 27, 1945, to LaMonte and Severyna (Zabrocki) Parker in Glendive, MT, Bob spent his early years in Wibaux before the family moved to Livingston in 1951. It was there that he became a local legend-an exceptional basketball player for the Park High Rangers whose remarkable shooting performances regularly made the newspaper and left a lasting mark on Montana high school basketball. He graduated in 1964.

During high school, Bob met the love of his life, Jean, and the two were married on January 6, 1965. Together they raised two sons, Scott and Michael. Over the years, Bob mastered many trades, but he was best known for his long career as a lineman, a job that took the family across Montana before they settled in Colstrip in 1974. In 1984, Bob and Jean opened Bob's Place, quickly earning a reputation for serving the best pizza in Montana. They returned to their roots in Livingston in 1994, where they resided through their retirement years. Bob enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the Boulder, fishing, and going to Park High Basketball games. Bob will be deeply missed, but there is comfort in knowing he and Jean are reunited once again. 

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Parker; his brother, Ervin Parker; and his parents, LaMonte and Severyna Parker. 

He is survived by his sons, Scott (Valerie) Parker of Laurel, MT and Mike (Jayme) Parker of Two Rivers, AK; his grandchildren, Kailey (Luke) Hofstee, Natalie (Zach) Weig, Christopher Parker, Macyn Parker, and Ruth Parker; and his great grandchildren, Blake, Owen, Zoë, Dean, and Aaron (AJ). He is also survived by his siblings – Pat, Mike, Margaret, Fred, and Berdine – as well as many other beloved family members and friends. 

A Celebration of Life honoring Bob will be held at 11:00 a.m. on May 23, 2026, at the Livingston Christian Center. Family and friends are invited to bring stories and memories to share as we celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Stafford Animal Shelter in Livingston.

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