Dr. Thomas Michael Parker M.D.

Tom was born on March 3rd, 1942 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, TX, to William H. Parker, Jr. and Modeen Perry Parker. He grew up in Houston with his older brother, John, and graduated from Lamar High School. He later attended Tulane University, in his beloved New Orleans, to study English literature. In 1967 he enrolled in the United States Naval Reserves and deferred his active duty until he completed his medical training at Tulane University.

After finishing his surgical internship at Downstate - Kings County (Brooklyn, NY) he went on to complete his surgical residency at New York University - Bellevue Hospital (New York, NY) followed by his Cardiothoracic fellowship, also at NYU-Bellevue. It was at NYU Hospital where he met Margaret Elizabeth Fox of Brooklyn, NY, whom he married in 1972.

In 1974, he was called up by the U.S. Navy Medical Corps as a ship surgeon on the USS John F. Kennedy - CV’67 aircraft carrier, which was stationed in Norfolk, VA. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander, received a National Defense Service Medal, and was honorably discharged in 1975. He and his wife, Margaret, then moved to his native Texas and they settled in Lubbock for the next 30 years, where he worked as a Cardiothoracic surgeon in private practice and raised his family. The Parker Family was blessed with the most wonderful neighbors on 24th street in Lubbock and Tom was always so grateful for the support system they provided his family.

Tom and Margaret together have two children, Michael and Diana. He adored his two grandsons, Wells and Brennan, and their weekly visits to “Papa’s House” were a highlight of his final years, always bringing a smile to his face when they ran down the hallway to his room screaming, “Papa!”.

Tom retired in 2005 and moved with Margaret to Austin, TX to be closer to his children. Tom had many interests including reading, travel, nice hotels, great restaurants, and automobiles. He enjoyed visiting Lake Travis and the family cattle ranch in East Texas. Above all, Tom was deeply devoted to his family, both immediate and extended, providing support whenever it was needed.

Tom is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Margaret F. Parker; his brother, John W. Parker; his children, Michael F. Parker and Diana P. Bolding; his son-in-law, Clintin J. Bolding; grandchildren Wellington J. Bolding and Brennan P. Bolding, all of Austin, TX; and countless nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his cousin, Dan E. Calfee of Seagraves, TX.

The family would like to thank Ricardo Aviles, the team at Kindful Hospice, particularly Tracy, Desmond, Kathleen, and Chaplain John, and the caregivers at the Longleaf Bee Cave memory care facility for the care and compassion they showed him during his final months.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service for Thomas on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in a private ceremony at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, TX.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his memory to the Howard-Tilton Library at Tulane University.