81R6098 JH-D
By: McReynolds H.R. No. 481
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The citizens of Texas lost an inspired advocate for
the state's wildlife and natural resources with the passing of John
D. Parker of Lufkin on January 26, 2009, at the age of 73; and
WHEREAS, Possessing a deep love of nature, Mr. Parker was
appointed as a commissioner for the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Department in 2003 after a enjoying a successful career as a home
builder; during his time on the TPWD nine-member commission, he
helped lead efforts to obtain increased funding for state and local
parks and ably carried out the duties of his position until the time
of his death; and
WHEREAS, John Parker was born on June 17, 1935, in Shidler,
Oklahoma, the son of Peggy and Vol Parker; during his 21-year career
in the residential construction industry, he served as president of
Parker Homes, which includes divisions in Lufkin and Abilene;
widely respected by his colleagues, he was director of the National
Association of Home Builders, president of the Deep East Texas
Association of Builders, and area vice president of the Texas
Association of Builders; moreover, his efforts to establish the
Texas Residential Construction Commission in the 78th Texas
Legislature earned him the President's Award from the Texas
Association of Builders in 2004; and
WHEREAS, An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Parker contributed to
numerous conservation organizations; he was national trustee and
Texas state chair for Ducks Unlimited and president for both the
Cherokee and the Angelina Wildlife Associations, in addition to
many other affiliations; his work at the TPWD began in November
2003, when Governor Rick Perry selected him as a commissioner; his
tenure extended for more than five years and was highlighted by his
focus on youth outreach programs and his support for a new fish
hatchery in Jasper as well as his contributions toward
reinvigorating the parks system; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Parker was an active member of the congregation
of Denman Avenue Baptist Church, and he enjoyed the love and support
of his wife, Barbara, and the other members of his family; in all
aspects of his life, John Parker was known for his determination and
hard work, and by devoting himself to the preservation of the
state's natural treasures, he realized many admirable
accomplishments that will be appreciated by Texans for years to
come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of John D. Parker and
extend deepest condolences to the members of his family: to his
wife, Barbara S. Parker; to his sons, Adam Parker and his wife,
Rosanne, Alex Parker and his wife, Linda, and Arthur Parker; to his
grandchildren, Caleb Parker and his wife, Samantha, Maigan Parker,
Luke McCreary, and Wil McCreary and his wife, Cassie; to his
great-grandson, Jacob McCreary; to his sister, Ramona Buescher; and
to his other relatives and friends; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of
John D. Parker.