Don Parker Exposito, 76, of Hutchinson, died September 10, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita. He was born April 27, 1947, in Monett, MO, to Benjamin and Dorothy (Allen) Exposito.
Parker graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1965 and was attending Fort Hays State University when he was drafted into the U.S. Army. Parker served in Vietnam from 1967-1969 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. After his discharge, Parker became a jeweler and owned Alexander’s Jewelers “on the diamond corner” for many years. He loved work, family, golf, Miller Lite, his customers, and his “Geezer Group” meetings in Alexander’s back room. Parker was a member of American Legion Lyle Rishel Post #68.
On February 14, 1999, he married Beverly J. (Smith) Soldi, in Las Vegas, NV. She survives.
Also surviving are: his daughters, Cherish Pulliam (Ty) and Hope Neal (Brian Miller), all of Hutchinson; stepson, Joshua Morgan of Grand Rapids, MI; stepdaughter, Stasha Gifford of Topeka; grandchildren, Nathan Pulliam of Hutchinson, Shazia Myers of Great Bend, Quinten Pulliam of Hutchinson, Jaden Gifford of Wichita, Lizzie Neal and Andrew Neal of Hutchinson, Logan Morgan of Grand Rapids, MI; 3 great-grandchildren; 2 step-great-grandchildren; brother, Lynn Exposito (Norma) of Partridge; sister, Peggy Kilpatrick of Partridge; 2 nephews; numerous other beloved family members and close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation has taken place. Celebration of Life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Elliott Chapel. Military honors will be conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard.
Friends may sign his memorial book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.