R. H. Tripp Parker III

R. H. “Tripp” Parker, III of Rockport, Texas passed on December 5, 2016. He was a charismatic, funny, loving and beloved Texan who leaves behind a vast collection of memories treasured by family, friends and any who had the good fortune to have encountered him.

While having worked for many years with Parker Bros. & Company, Inc. and both Mission Party Ice and Reddy Ice, his outside pursuit of the cowboy life brought him into the acquaintance of several interesting associations. A 30 year veteran of the Tejas Vacqueros, Tripp was often known as the “iceman”. His service to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo across two decades included membership in the Hold ‘Em and Hit ‘Em Club in its earliest years. He loved competing in cowboy action shooting as he performed under the alias “Fox Muledeer” in the Single Action Shooting Society.

Tripp is survived by his parents Mary and R. H. “Bob” Parker, Jr. of Cypress, Texas. His loving wife Linda Lee Parker of Rockport; his daughter Joy Nicole Parker and grandson Isaiah Denissen of Cypress; daughter Lindsey Anne Parker Melcher, her husband Travis Melcher and granddaughter Marylee Parker Melcher of Seabrook; son R. H. “Skip” Parker, IV and grandchildren Faith Gaines and R. H. “Tristan” Parker, V of San Antonio; and son Daniel Hunter Parker with fiancée Viviana Villegas of San Antonio, Texas. His sister Dr. Robin Parker, DVM with husband Kenny Flowers of Sanger, Texas and niece Ceresia Flowers of Wyoming; and brother Chris Parker of Cypress, Texas. Tripp is also survived by his beloved extended family mother in law Ruth Pope of Rockport; father in law Paul Pope with wife Florence of San Antonio, Texas; sister in law Sharon Pope of San Antonio, Texas; and brother in law Rodney Pope of San Antonio, Texas.

Tripp is predeceased by his grandparents Capt. R. H. Parker, Sr. of Bay City, Texas; Bertha Parker of Columbia Lakes, Texas; Thomas Jefferson Baxter of La Ward, Texas; and Mary Konzen of Victoria, Texas.

Whether running with fire extinguisher in hand to aid a woman whose car had caught fire, or spending hours discussing topics with a used bookstore clerk Tripp’s life was filled with moments of warm hearted caring and sharing. His family and friends, his coworkers and even strangers have been enriched by his gift of bringing smiles and enjoyment. Tripp’s contribution to all was as a man living a life well spent.

Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas, will host a visitation with the family on Monday, December 12, from 5pm to 8pm. A graveside memorial will take place Tuesday, December 13, 12:30pm at the same address. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Education Fund; contacting 832-667-1285 will facilitate giving.