Parker Mason Coogan

Parker Mason Coogan, age 23, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, in Kingwood, Texas. He was born on May 28, 1997, in Houston, Texas. Parker grew up in Kingwood, where he graduated from Kingwood High School in 2016. His early childhood years were spent playing football in the Kingwood Football League and select baseball for the Colts, Rough Riders, and Dynasty teams. He loved spending time with his dad and buddies searching for food trucks after tournaments on their ever-famous “Food Truck Tour.” Wherever Parker was, there was always an army of friends following his lead in adventures of airsoft wars, paintball, swimming, and just the fun of being boys! As he transitioned into middle school, athletics continued to be Parker’s passion. He enjoyed playing multiple sports at Riverwood Middle School and went to the State 7-on-7 football tournament.

Parker’s high school years revolved around his teammates on the KHS football team, where he played four years, two on varsity. He was elected by fellow players as a Varsity Team Captain his senior year. His honors include KHS Offensive Line MVP, Academic All-District Team, 1st Team All-District Offensive Line as well as 1st Team Academic All-State. Parker was not only loved, he was also trusted and respected by his teammates. His senior year, the football coaches asked the players to write down who they would want in their foxhole during battle… Parker won by a landslide.

Parker went on to play football at Columbia University in New York City. He was a four-year letterman and three-year starter in his time at Columbia, playing in 30 consecutive games. While at Columbia, he was named All-Ivy Honorable Mention (2018 and 2019). Parker was also named to the Columbia Lions All-Decade Team, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District selection (2017 and 2019), 2019 Fall Academic All-Ivy League honoree, and a 2019 NFF Hampshire Academic Honor Society member. Following his senior season in 2019, Parker was named a Third-Team All-Ivy League selection by Phil Steele Magazine and selected as the recipient of Columbia’s Jack Armstrong Most Outstanding Lineman Award. In 2018, he was part of the Lions offensive line that allowed just 19 sacks for 126 yards, marking the second-lowest opponent totals in school history. Parker’s coach at Columbia, Al Bagnoli, describes him this way; “Parker was the epitome of what every program wants in a football player and student-athlete. He was a tremendous leader both on and off the field and was someone the entire team looked up to through his strong work ethic, great enthusiasm, and charismatic energy. He was also a talented football player, hard-working offensive lineman, and even better individual.” He was a three-time Dean’s List student and was also active in the community as he organized Columbia’s yearly Jacked 4 Jacklyn Foundation Fundraiser and Liftathon. Parker graduated from Columbia in May 2020 with a degree in Financial Economics. He worked in Securitized Product Sales at Barclays Investment Bank in NYC.

Parker may have only had 23 years here on earth, but the impact of his life has left a forever imprint on countless lives. A gentle giant, he had a tender heart and was loved by anyone he came in contact with. The list of his accomplishments is an undeniable result of both his incredible drive and work ethic. That work ethic coupled with his incredible intelligence allowed Parker to excel academically and on the field. He was kind, funny, quirky, and as his dad would say, “the smartest goofball I know!” Parker was a true and loyal friend. He had a unique way of making everyone feel important and included. Parker had an incredibly inquisitive mind and entrepreneurial spirit. He was never afraid to ask questions, constantly wanting to learn more and seeking a greater understanding of the world around him. Parker’s ever-present contagious smile and giving heart will be forever cherished by all who knew him. Amidst all his achievements, he was never boastful or arrogant. He was always humble and kind with the most genuine “aw shucks” attitude you have ever seen. His passions were all things tech, building computers, and playing tennis with his grandfather.

Parker is survived by his parents Tim and Amy Coogan, his brother Alex and sister McKenna. He leaves his grandparents Jack and Jill Coogan, Jan and Doty Olson, and Kit and Nick Donwen. He is also survived by his Aunt Tiffany Coogan Abraham, Uncle Tyler Coogan, Aunt Kelly and Uncle Kevin Krenzke, Aunt Alecia and Uncle Chip Cunningham, Aunt Etienne and Uncle Kevin Olson, Aunt Kay and Uncle Joe Coogan, and Uncle Bob Coogan. Along with cousins Josey, Jensen and Jillian Abraham; Avery and Owen Krenzke; Lilah, Tillie, Tate and Porter Cunningham; Andrew, Graham and Emma Olson; Bridget, Josh, Glenna, Ryan and Caitlyn Graver; Maureen, Mike, Tommy and Joey Schuler; Stephanie, Colin, Reese, Tully, Mack and Poppy Coogan; Molly, Brendan, Henry and Gus Coogan; Bernadette, John, Caroline, Rory, Whitney and Brody Coogan; along with countless treasured friends.

A celebration of Parker’s life will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at Woodridge Baptist Church, 5707 Kingwood Drive in Kingwood, Texas. The service will also be available via live stream at https://www.woodridge.org/ Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the Woodridge Baptist Gym. Burial will follow at Rosewood Cemetery in Porter, Texas. Donations can be made to scholarships that are being established in the name of Parker Coogan at Columbia University as well as Kingwood High School. More information regarding these scholarships will be provided as soon as it becomes available.