Wade Thomas Parker Jr.

Wade Thomas Parker Jr., retired physics and chemistry teacher, and long-time resident of Ruch, Oregon, died at home unexpectedly on October 14, 2021. He was 87. Wade is survived by his wife, Mikako Parker; his daughter, Christy Parker of Abingdon, Virginia; and his son, Wade Thomas Parker III, of McKinney, TX.

Wade was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on June 10, 1934 to Margaret Blue and Dr. Wade Thomas Parker. He attended Fishburne Military School, and then NC State University where he received his degree in Mechanical Engineering. Prior to graduate school, he spent a year in Belgium learning French preparing for missionary work. He then served with a team of missionaries with the Presbyterian Church in the Republic of the Belgian Congo. There he taught in a local high school. Upon return to the United States, he earned his Master's in Education at the University of Virginia. A lover of history, he took part in Civil War reenactments while earning his degree. After graduation, he accepted a position at the Honolulu Community College, where he taught physics and chemistry at the college level. There, he also met Mikako, his wife of 49 years. In Hawaii, he took up scuba diving, snorkeling and Kendo. Moving to Oregon in the late 70’s, they settled in the Sunshine Valley. Wade taught at Mary’s High, Medford Christian and Cascade Christian High schools.

He became known for his knack repairing and restoring antique firearms. He was especially fond of, and proficient in, the WWII M1 Carbine rifle.

His love for the Lord was evident in his poems, songwriting, and generosity to all he knew. He treasured the Word and was a mighty prayer warrior, interceding daily with Mikako for family and friends. All who knew him will miss his warm demeanor, engaging stories, and contagious passion for history and science.