Archie David Parker

He was born Aug. 23, 1929, in West Monroe and died after a brief illness at Lakewood Quarters after a hospital stay since Dec. 7. He was the son of Archie David and Ethel Crowell Parker. He received his BA degree in 1956 as well as a MA degree in 1969 from ULM. He attended the University of Arkansas pursuing a law degree from 1951-1953. He received a certificate in social work from LSU in 1959 and his master of social work from LSU in 1974. He attended Oxford University from 1984-1985 and received his Ph.D. He was a probation officer in Monroe from 1959-1962. He served as a correctional institution superintendent in Baker from 1970-1975. He was the assistant director for adult corrections for the Louisiana Department of Corrections from 1975-1976 and assistant secretary for the Louisiana Department of Corrections from 1976-1982. Dr. Parker was an assistant professor in the School of Social Work at LSU from 1982 until 1984. He also did private practice and consulting work for several years. Dr. Parker served his country to the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army from 1945 until 1948 and from 1953 until 1958. During his life he was a member of Optimist, Rotary, Military Order of the World Wars, VUMS, Louisiana Archeological Society and the DAV. He was also involved with the Shriners and was a Master Mason. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 27 years, Gene Rife Parker; sons, Daniel P. Parker, of Monroe and Mark R. Parker, of Houston; daughter, Barbara Ann Shortis, of Orlando Fla.; three grandsons, Mark L. Parker, of Houston and Josh and Robin Bishop, both of Bristol, England. He is also survived by his brother Dr. Jack B. Parker, niece, Polly Parker Stafford, and nephew, Bruce Parker, all of Baton Rouge. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Lou Overton, of Richmond, Va.; as well as nieces, Betty Springer, Vickie Cannon and Johnette Overton; and nephew, John Overton. Dr. Parker was a loyal LSU Tiger fan. Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3550 Morning Glory Ave., with a reception to follow in the church parlor. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the LSU Foundation or the USO.