Don was born in 1932 in Cooke County, Texas. After graduating high school in 1949, he attended junior college and North Texas State University. To help his parents out, Don left college in 1952 to enlist in the army, where he served as an artillery communication specialist. Upon discharge from the army, Don returned to college and obtained a B.A. and M.A. in mathematics from NTSU and a Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Oklahoma. He went on to serve as a researcher and professor at the OU Health Sciences Center for over 31 years. After retiring in 1999 and between his trips to new golf courses, Don continued working as a consulting statistician until age 82.
Don loved all puns, catching fish, golfing, crossword puzzles, dominoes, and a good game of chess. His family and friends will best remember him for his keen intelligence and quick wit.
Don is preceded in death by his parents, Earl B Parker and Elsie (McCann) Parker Wyatt of Whitesboro, TX; wife Nancy Parker; and son Keith Parker, both of Edmond.
He is survived by his daughter Kelley Kartye and son-in-law Craig of Liverpool, TX; grandson Reed Kartye of Alvin, TX; grandson Jared Kartye; and great-granddaughter Amelia Kartye, both of Nacogdoches, TX.
A Celebration Reception will be held from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Baggerley Funeral Home in the Reception Event Center.
