Douglas W. Parker passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 6 at home surrounded by his family. He was born November 21, 1924, in Pasadena, California to Harriet and Walter Parker. He graduated from Eagle Rock High School in Los Angeles at the age of 17 and attended one year of college at Mount Shasta, California. World War II began and Doug’s desire was to become a fighter pilot. In fact Governor Adkins of Arkansas was instrumental in Doug’s achieving his aviation dreams. He received his basic training in Amarillo and then served from there in Minnesota and Phoenix where he received his wings and was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in March, 1945. When he received his orders to fly to China, he took a quick leave to marry the love of his life – Loretta Yocum – his “angel.” He continued to call her "angel" throughout the 73 years of their marriage. After receiving an honorable discharge in November of 1945 he enrolled at the University of Arkansas. He was a member of Phi Sigma Honorary Society and graduated with a BS degree in zoology and a minor in geology in the spring of 1948. He and Loretta moved to Fort Smith where he was employed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission prior to receiving his law degree from LaSalle University in Chicago. He practiced criminal law in Fort Smith for 30 plus years and was known as the best trial lawyer in Arkansas. He was licensed by the Arkansas Supreme Court and was a member of the Sebastian County Bar Association.
As a member of First United Methodist Church he was deeply involved in all aspects – serving as a certified lay minister, trustee of the Foundation Board, youth counselor, member of the Administrative Board, SPR Committee member, a member of the choir, and a Sunday School teacher for 25 years.
Doug was an integral part of the Fort Smith community. For over 20 years, he was a charter member and Chairman of Leadership Fort Smith; Chairman of the Arkansas Waterways Commission; and Chairman of the Fort Smith Port Authority. He was one of the three people who instituted the city council form of government we now have in Fort Smith. He was a past president of the Fort Smith Exchange Club, served on the Hardscrabble Country Club board, and the Young Life Board, He was also a 32nd degree Mason, and a Boy Scout of America Silver Beaver.
To say that Doug was an avid and legendary fisherman who could find the fish and what they were biting is an understatement. In fact in his spare time he invented Rabble Rouser lures which sold across America and for which he held 12 patents. He was instrumental in developing Sugar Loaf Lake, Sebastian Lake, and the James Fork Reservoir near Fort Smith.
Doug was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Joe Parker and Roy Parker, and a beloved son, Dr. Douglas W. Parker Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Loretta; and his dear son, Kyle Parker and his wife Renee; Melissa Parker, his daughter-in-law; and his sister, Harriet Jane Parker. He left behind four grandchildren, Ashley Parker, Brandon Parker (wife Jessica), Marshall Parker, and Christian Parker; two great-grandchildren, Wade and Zoie Parker, and a host of nieces and nephews. He will always be remembered for his integrity, sense of humor, gleeful laughter, and that twinkle in his eyes.
Viewing of the body will be at Edwards Funeral Home on Friday, May 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. After a private family committal at Rose Lawn cemetery, a memorial service will be held in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church on Saturday, May 12 at 11:00 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Doug’s three grandsons and his great-grandson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Boyd Saviers, Dr. John Watts, Bruce McNeill, and Dr. Frank Griffin.
The family wants to thank his caregivers, Chana Willyard, Jane Stouffer, Melissa Omerspan and Peachtree Hospice for all their excellent caring for Mr. Parker.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 North 15th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 4300 Rogers Avenue, Ste 24, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
