Parker Humes

Parker Morell Humes passed away July 11, 2010 in Midland, Texas.

He was born on December 15, 1934 in his grandmother's house in Gatesville, Texas to Parker Kellum Humes and Maude Mae Turner Humes. He was raised and educated in Lamesa, Texas, where his father was the Dawson County School Superintendent. He graduated from Lamesa High School in 1953. He received a bachelor's degree in Speech and Communications from Baylor University in 1957. After graduating from Baylor he worked as a radio announcer at stations in Lamesa and Hereford. In 1959 he transferred to KCRS in Midland where he began a career with the Wendell Mayes Broadcasting Co. He enjoyed being a disc jockey in the early days of rock and roll as well as announcing many area high school sports games.

After marrying, Midlander, Pat Gilbert, in 1961 he moved from being an on air personality to positions in sales and management. In 1970 he became the general manager of KVIC radio station in Victoria, Texas. In 1972 he returned to Midland and remained at KCRS as Vice President and General Manager until 1996 when he became the president and owner of Humes Broadcasting Company, comprised of KCRS AM, KWMJ FM, and MUZAK. Parker loved music and the radio business but was equally passionate about the Midland community. He served on many area boards including the Midland Civic Ballet, Girl Scouts of the Permian Basin, and Junior Achievement. He co-founded the Leadership Midland Program.

He was a member of the Midland Jaycees and in 1978 was voted Boss of the Year. He was also on the board of the Optimist Club and a longtime Rotary Club member, serving a term as president and was both Rotarian of the Year and a Paul Harris fellow.

In 1977, when federal courts ordered the integration of the Midland schools, he chaired the steering committee for the Midland Alliance, a group of community leaders formed to provide a safe, peaceful, and fair transition to the integration of the public schools. His belief in the power of education and his family's commitment to the teaching profession led to his meaningful work for the Midland community through his tenure on the Midland Independent School Board. He served two terms from 1978 to 1986 serving as Board President for two of those years. After leaving the MISD Board he was elected as a trustee of Midland College and served from 1986 to 2000, where he served two terms as board president.

Parker was a loyal supporter of his alma mater, Baylor University. He served on the Baylor Development Council and was President of the West Texas Baylor Exes. He was a stalwart fan of Baylor Bear Athletics. Among his interesting hobbies he was a member of the West Texas Rose Society and his Mr. Lincoln hybrid tea rose won “Best of Show” in the 1980 Midland Flower Show. He also enjoyed his Wednesday afternoon golf group for over 30 years. Parker had many professional and civic accomplishments in his life but he took the most pride and pleasure in his family.

He was the devoted husband of 49 years to Pat Humes, who survives him along with his daughters; Paige Humes LeMasters and husband Philip of Abilene, Texas, Pamela Humes of Midland, Trish Humes Speight and husband Phillip of Midland; his grandchildren, Kate LeMasters and Anne LeMasters of Abilene, Texas and Alexandra Parker Speight and Sam Speight of Midland; his sisters: June Timms and husband Rex, of Granbury, Texas and Dorice Worley and husband Tom of Granbury, Texas; his two nephews Matt Worley and wife Katie of Dallas, Texas and Chris Worley and wife Kim of Brooklyn, New York; and a host of close friends.

The family will receive visitors between 5:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, July 13th at Ellis Funeral Home. Memorial Services will be on Wednesday, July 14th at 11:00 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Worley, Chris Worley, Philip LeMasters, Phillip Speight, Rex Timms, Tom Worley, Ted Kerr, George Staley, Joan Baskin, Ed Clements, Wendell Mayes, Jr., Camal Dakil, Dick Tune, Jerry Rogers, Walter Rankin, Ken Peeler, Glen Ellis, Ralph Way, Joann Foster, Bill Jackson, David Grimes, and Joseph Barressi. Arrangements are under the directions of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Hwy. Midland, Texas (432) 683-5555. Condolences may be offered at www.ellisfunerals.com.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Shylesh Ganta, Dr. PJ Patel, and the nursing staff at Midland Memorial Hospital, especially Helen, for their care and comfort the last few years.

Memorials may be made to Baylor University, Midland Independent School District Education Foundation or The Recording Library of West Texas.

“A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches.” Proverbs 22:1