Robert Sherwood Parham

Rob Parham was born in Jacksonville, Florida. The son of a carpet manufacturing executive, he lived throughout the South during his childhood. While he graduated from Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines, North Carolina, it was Dalton, Georgia that was always home base to Rob. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, North Carolina.

After college, Rob moved to Washington, D.C. to pursue what became a life-long passion for politics. He started as a researcher for the Republican National Committee and then served in the Administration of President George H. W. Bush at both the Department of Labor and the Peace Corps for Paul Coverdell of Georgia. He later transitioned to the Bush-Quayle for President Campaign in 1992.

While in Washington, Rob met his future wife Lindsey Howe while working together in the Bush Administration and later for Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas. Rob served as Deputy Press Secretary for the Hutchison campaign and then later for her U.S. Senate office.

Eventually, Rob and Lindsey made their way to Texas, where they both continued their work in politics and public affairs. Rob served as campaign manager for a congressional campaign and as a Press Assistant to then Governor George W. Bush. Rob opened his own public affairs consulting practice in Austin and served as an advisor to LHP & Company.

Rob's two children were his greatest joy. He was their biggest fan, on the sidelines at every game, cheering them on with pride. As an avid baseball fan, he rarely missed watching the Atlanta Braves and took his family to every MLB park in the United States. He was also a forever student of history, never missing a chance to visit a museum or historic site. Rob leaves behind a legacy of love and unforgettable memories. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have experienced his warmth and genuine presence.

Rob Parham is survived by his wife Lindsey Howe Parham; his son Robert Sherwood “Bo” Parham, Jr. and daughter Bradley Howe Parham, both of Austin, Texas; his mother Emily Earle Parham of Dalton, Georgia; his sister Laura Parham Herrick and brother-in-law John F. Herrick, Jr., both of Shaker Heights, Ohio; his mother-in-law Jill O. Howe of San Antonio; his father-in-law John P. Howe III, M.D. and wife Tyrrell E. Flawn of Austin, Texas.; his brother-in-law John Prentice Howe IV and sister-in-law Natalie Howe, both of Austin, Texas; his brother-in-law Daniel Laws of Austin, Texas; six nieces and nephews; and the family’s Golden Retriever Millie. He was predeceased by his father, Charles Lee Parham of Dalton, Georgia; and his sister-in-law Brooke Howe Laws of Austin, Texas.

Lindsey and the family express eternal gratitude for the care, love and support provided by Dr. Debra Patt and the Texas Oncology team, Dr. Vincente Valero and the MD Anderson Cancer Center team, Wonders and Worries, and Hospice Austin.

A Memorial Service will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703 at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 24, 2024.

Memorial gifts may be made to The Atlanta Braves Foundation (https://www.mlb.com/braves/community/atlanta-braves-foundation/donate), Wonders & Worries (https://wondersandworries.org/), or The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd (https://gsaustin.org).