Merle Parker

Merle Edwin Parker was born to Douglas and Mattie Ophelia Parker in Clark County Arkansas on August 31, 1920 and passed away in Pasadena, Texas on May 17, 2013 at the age of 92. He’s survived by his beloved wife of forty five years, Helen M. Parker, a brother Jerry Parker, of Visalia, California and two sisters, Mary Magness, also of Visalia and Mary Ophelia Stidham, of Clovis, California; along with several nieces and nephews.

Merle was also very fortunate to have an “adopted” family, in his next door neighbors of twenty five years. Todd and Debbie Adams and their daughters Kristen McKee and Sarah Bratton enriched his life in many ways. He thought of Kristen and Sarah as his grandchildren.

He studied in public schools in the Clark County area and attended college for over two years in Arkadelphia. Merle’s “Papa” later advised him that the peddling business was good and Merle bought a new Chevrolet pickup that he rigged out to sell his wares. He wore out more than one truck on those roads and was very successful, selling everything from kerosene, to groceries and sewing items. He also drove the school bus while he was attending college.

Merle proudly served his country in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II spending some 46 days in transit to reach his overseas post at an aircraft maintenance unit in India. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years and on the rolls of Deer Park, Texas Lodge number 1362. The family is extremely grateful to the lodge for furnishing pallbearers for his service.

Merle was a faithful employee of Shell Chemical in Deer Park, Texas and worked there as a pipefitter for 36 years.

After he retired Merle and his golfing buddies almost wore out the course at San Jacinto College and he was a great fan of golf and NASCAR races on TV. He enjoyed gardening and grew some wonderful backyard produce and was often referred to as the “mayor” by his neighbors, as his frequent bicycle patrols put him as the man in the know for their resource for the neighborhood news. Merle and Helen traveled widely and he loved to go on a cruise. They also square danced with a group for many years and thoroughly enjoyed his long retirement.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm on Tuesday May 21, 2013 at Forest Park East Funeral Home, 21620 Gulf Fwy, Webster, TX 77598, where funeral services will follow at 2:00 pm, Kelly Sullivan will be officiating. Interment will follow in the adjacent cemetery. A reception for family and friends will be held in the Hospitality room of Forest Park East Funeral Home after the interment.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to a charity of your choice. To sign the online register book or leave a memorial tribute for the family visit www.forestparkeast-fhc.com