LaVan Riley Parker Jr.

LaVan Riley Parker, Jr. (“Riley”)

February 4, 1942 – September 2, 2025

LaVan Riley Parker, Jr. (“Riley, Dad, Pop”), age 83, of Georgetown, Texas, passed away on September 2, 2025, surrounded by love. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, integrity, and devotion to his family.

Riley was born on February 4, 1942, at his grandparents’ home in Pflugerville, Texas, to proud parents LaVan Riley Parker, Sr. and Lucille Zimmerman Parker—in the very same home where his father was born.

Riley was raised in Austin, where he spent most of his life. At Lamar Junior High, he met his true love, Carol Kaye Fleming, and the two remained inseparable. A member of McCallum High School’s class of 1960, Riley’s leadership and athletic talent stood out. He was elected captain of the varsity football team his junior and senior years. He received football scholarship offers from three Southwest Conference schools and Harvard, but his loyalty remained with the University of Texas, where he enrolled following graduation. His time on the Forty Acres was abbreviated when he was called to join the growing family business. He remained a lifelong Longhorn fan and proud member of the Longhorn Foundation.

Riley and Carol married on June 10, 1961. They were blessed with three children: Eugenia Lucille “GiGi,” LaVan Riley III “Van,” and Brant Fleming and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary with joy.

After joining the family business, Riley soon became President of Parker Barber and Beauty Supply Inc. Over his 45-year career, he grew the company into one of the most successful mid-sized barber and beauty supply operations in the United States. He served on various national BBSI committees and was widely respected for his honesty and dedication. Riley treasured the long-lasting relationships he built throughout his career and dearly loved his employees.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Riley’s life was centered on family and faith. He and Carol raised their family in Northwest Hills, surrounded by a close-knit community of lifelong friends. Riley enjoyed coaching youth sports, playing tennis, traveling, and working around the house. As “Coach Parker,” he mentored countless young athletes through Northwest Austin football and baseball, leaving a lasting impact on many lives. He and Carol traveled abroad to Europe and Japan, but his favorite times were closer to home—in the Colorado mountains and along the Texas coast. An avid tennis player, Riley spent many hours on the courts with Carol and friends at the Courtyard. Later, they moved to their home on Lake Austin, where Riley especially enjoyed hosting his grandchildren and working in the yard. After some years in Seguin, they eventually settled in Sun City, where Riley deeply appreciated the warm friendships and support of his neighbors.

Riley’s deep Christian faith was central to his life. A faithful member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church, he served on the church council and as head usher. Riley was also honored to be a Master Mason for more than 50 years and a Shriner. Above all, he cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His steady presence, wisdom, and unconditional love will continue to guide them.

Riley is survived by his beloved wife, Carol; children Van (Jennifer), Brant (Kristin), and son-in-law Mihira Chandrasoma (Babs); sister Roxann Parker Lagow; grandchildren Brittni Carrizales (David), Colby Chandrasoma (Jacob), Meg Knighten, Cullen Parker (Rachel), Preston Parker, and Caroline Parker; and great-grandchildren Mila, Gwen, and Nico Carrizales. He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVan and Lucille; his daughter, Eugenia Lucille “GiGi”; brother-in-law Richard Lagow; and many cherished friends and colleagues.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 14501 N. IH-35, Pflugerville, TX. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 12, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home with Pastor Karl A. Gronberg officiating. A graveside service at Cook-Walden Capital Park will follow, with a reception afterward at the funeral home. All are welcome.

To share your personal memories of Riley Parker, please visit www.CookWaldenCapitalParks.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (in honor of Riley’s beloved daughter GiGi Chandrasoma), the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund (OneStar), or the charity of your choice.