Randolph Parker

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A funeral service for Randolph Alexander Parker, 99, of Texas, formerly of Decatur County, was held Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Niday Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, with Melvin Hogan officiating.

Interment followed on Oct. 8 at Naruna Baptist Church Cemetery in Burnet County, Texas.

Born June 14, 1910, in Climax, Mr. Parker died Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009.

Mr. Parker was the youngest of 14 children of whom only eight survived to adulthood. As a teenager, he was admitted to a hospital in New Mexico to receive treatment for tuberculosis. After his recovery, he made his way to Camp Hood, Texas, where he met and married Dorothy Brown in 1942. They moved to Houston in 1947 where he worked until his mid-70s in heavy construction. He enjoyed working in his yard, playing the piano, listening to music and telling stories.

For the last 20 years, he had the enduring friendship of June Keen and her children Gail, Ray, Johnny, Kim and Tim.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy Brown Parker; his second wife, Lois Jones Parker, and 13 siblings.

Survivors include his daughter, Sandra Tabor, two grandsons, four great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews.

Niday Funeral Home in Houston, Texas, was in charge of funeral arrangements.