Mexborough and Swinton Times April 8, 1938

The Dearne district learned with sorrow this week of the sudden death of one of its best known former local government representatives—Mr. John Parker, of Lidgett Lane; Thurnscoe.

On returning home from a local cinema last Thursday evening Mr. Parker had seizure which paralysed one side and bereft him of his power of speech. Although hope were entertained for his recovery, he passed away on Wednesday.

Mr. Parker had been in poor health for some time and never completely recovered from a serious illness last year. Nevertheless he had managed to continue his work at the Coronation Workingmen’s Club, where he was secretary, although he had left other public work alone since he retired from his position as chairman during the last year of the former Thurnscoe Urban Council.

Native of Sheffield.

Although a native of Sheffield, Mr. Parker came to this district 38 years ago as a miner at Hickleton Colliery. He lived first at Goldthorpe and then at Thurnscoe and for the last 25 years at 6, Lidgett Lane. He was appointed secretary to the Coronation Working Men’s Club about 22 years ago, and since then the club has expanded until now it is one of the largest and best financed clubs in South Yorkshire. The membership has increased from 300 odd to over 1,000.

In many ways he was “the workingmen’s lawyer” for nobody went to him for advice in vain. One of his innovations in Thurnscoe club life was the children’s annual outing. This has become extremely popular and last year about 800 children were taken to the sea-side.

War Time Service.

During the war, Mr. Parker was on the Food Control Committee in Thurnscoe and ever since then he had played an active part in public life.

As a member of the former Thurnscoe Council his liberal education and fearless opinion were always respected and on three occasions, in 1924, 1931, and 1936, he was appointed chairman of the Council. He represented the town on the West Riding County Council and during the time of his chairmanships he was a valuable asset as a Justice of the Peace.

He leaves six daughters and one son, all of whom are married. His son Alan is at present in America.

The funeral will take place on Saturday afternoon following morning mass at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Goldthorpe.

As a mark of respect, the Coronation Club will be closed from 2 p.m. until 5-30 p.m.