Wesley Edward Parma

Wes had a full life. He was the oldest of nine siblings -- a very close-knit family -- and his brothers and sisters admired him as the rock of the family. He attended St. Anthony Catholic High School in Beaumont, Texas, where he was class president, captain of the football team, and Eagle Scout. Thereafter, he went to Texas A&M on full athletic and academic scholarships for one year and then transferred to Lamar University, triple lettering in football, baseball, and track. He later was granted the prestigious Cardinal Hall of Honor as the last male athlete to letter in three sports during his tenure at Lamar. He graduated in 1954 with a B.S. in Business Administration. Upon graduation, Wes served in the Navy and was a first lieutenant on a ship in the Korean War.

Wes was a businessman and loved to travel. He lived in many places including New Orleans, Chicago, New York, and Milwaukee where he worked in advertising as an account executive in charge of producing commercials for both Leo Burnett and Schlitz. In Chicago, he founded the Ale and Quail Society, an athletic and social club. The ever bachelor, Wes finally settled down. On a blind date in Chicago, Wes met the love of his life, Joan Zang. They married in 1969 and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to begin a family. They had three girls: Jill, Pam, and Jenny.

While Wes loved the Midwest, he missed his extended family and home in Texas. In 1979, the family resettled in Dallas, Texas, where Wes made a major career change from advertising to real estate. He partnered with his brother Bob Parma at Realty Consultants, a commercial real estate company. The two brothers complemented each other. Wes was the practical, reticent partner where Bob was the risky, charismatic one. Both their business and personal relationships blossomed many lively adventures.

The two families, along with their younger brother, Dennis Parma, were very close. Among the three of them, the families had seven girls each about one year apart in age. They traveled to Galveston and to the hill country often, forming lasting bonds and experiences that extend fondly in their children's memories.

Later on, Wes became sole owner of Realty Consultants. He continued to travel, father his three daughters, and nourish deep relationships with his family and community.

Wes was a person who embodied peace, inner strength, and kindness. He was an amazing father, husband, and human being. He was stranger to no one and favorite brother and uncle to many. We will deeply miss Wes' wisdom, soft chuckles, graceful dance moves, warm hands, honesty, and tender spirit.

Wes was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley "Chunky" Parma, Millie Parma, and brother Robert "Bob" Parma. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, four grandchildren, and seven brothers and sisters.

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the American Cancer Society.