In Memoriam

Camden marine killed in Iraq
Updated: 5/5/2006 10:37:43 PM
By: Narmeen Choudhury

Flags around Camden were ordered to be lowered to half staff by the village mayor. The news of the local marine's death traveled quickly through the small town.

"Eli was very dedicated. He actually joined one year before he graduated high school, just two months before September 11th. He loved the marines and was very dedicated and committed," said the family's pastor Brian Lynch.

Eli Parker was just over a month away from reaching his 22nd birthday, but instead he lost his life while serving his country in Iraq as a Combat Engineer. He and another marine were killed by a roadside bomb in Fallujah. This was his 3rd tour of duty to Iraq. The loss was a shock for the family and friends say there was no way they could prepare for this.

"They're spiritually very strong. I'm sure they were aware of the possibilities of injuries and or loss of life from their son's work in the Marine Corps, but I don’t think anyone could be fully prepared for that when it's your son," said family friend, Carl Goodwill.

Eli Parker was a 2002 graduate of the Camden Central High School. During his time there friends and family remember him as an athletic and hardworking student. It’s a description that hasn't changed over the past few years.

"He was courageous, happy, fun. He had some good jokes. He had a great demeanor. To be around Eli was to be impressed, happy, and positive. Kids look up to him," said Goodwill.

The Parker family is waiting for further details from the Marines before finalizing any plans for funeral services.