Elton Don Parker Sr.

ELTON DON PARKER, SR., age 70, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2014, in Missouri City, Texas After a long and brave battle with bile duct cancer. Don passed away with his family at his home. He was born on May 8, 1943, in Texarkana, Texas, to Elton and Edna Davis Parker. Don is survived by his wife, Sandra Walker Martin Parker; children, Kelly D. Gragg,, Elton D. Parker, Jr. (wife-Karen), David E. Parker (wife – Valerie), and Dennis B. Parker (wife - Stacy); step-daughter, Keri Orlando (husband- Paul ); one brother, Dexter (wife - Barbara); two sisters, Sandra Brewer and Maryanna Clark; plus 17 grandchildren, great grandchildren and many cousins, nephews, nieces, and one aunt. His parents preceded him in death. A Celebration of Don’s life will be held at 3:00 PM, on Thursday, February 27, 2014, at The Settegast-Kopf Co. @ Sugar Creek. In lieu of flowers, donations in Don’s memory may be made to MD Anderson Cancer Center, Liver Research, at www.mdanderson.org, or to the charity of your choice.

From the time he was a small child, he was raised in Seminole, Texas. Don attended North Texas State University from 1961-64. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Math. After graduation, Don moved to Oklahoma to work for Honeywell then to Dallas to work for Core Labs. In 1988, Litton's Industries bought out his division of Core Labs. Litton transferred Don to their Houston offices. Western Atlas purchased their division from Litton, and after five years Landmark Graphics purchased Don's group. After a few more years the division was purchased by Halliburton. Don worked in Reservoir Simulation Software Development for each of these companies; retiring after 40 plus years in the industry. He was well thought of by his peers not only in business but for his integrity and generosity as a person.

Don was truly a family man. He always put his family first and himself last. He came from a large family and treasured every member. Don was especially proud of his four children and their achievements.

In 2000, Don married Sandra “Sandy” Martin Parker. He gained a step-daughter, her husband and six grandchildren. He always treated them like they were his own. Don was always up for gatherings of family whether it was a family reunion, Thanksgivings, Christmas, birthdays or special occasions like going fishing at Lake Palestine. He loved being on the water driving his boat. Don always said “Have I told you I love this boat”. Many good times were had on the boat, skiing, tubing or fishing with family and friends.

Don was an avid square dancer, he and Sandy danced every Thursday night with the Hey Lollies Square Dance club also attending Kirkwood Lodge Square Dance week for five years in a row in Missouri. After learning to snow ski at 52, he loved to go skiing once or twice a year. Don used to say when it came his time, he wanted it to be on the ski slopes hitting a tree. On the day the doctor called to tell him he had a tumor in his liver, Don was picking up his jersey to ride the MS 150 bike ride to Austin the next morning. The doctor told him have fun. Don was able to do the MS 150 three times 08, 09, and 11. The last two rides with his two oldest sons, always with family members waiting for him at the finish line.

Since having two of his sons graduate from Texas A&M University, for over twenty years Don had season tickets to the football games. He loved Texas A&M University and everyone thought he graduated from there. A true Aggie at heart.

Up until two years ago, Don went skiing every year with a group of friends and their families. He played tennis every Wednesday night, and golf as often as he could all while being treated for his cancer. Once Don’s illnesses slowed him down, he would still walk Bailey (his dog) with Sandy in tow one to two miles a night until two weeks ago. He never complained in the 5 ¾ years of this latest journey. He always had a smile that was contagious to those around him, even in the hard times. Don was a fighter and never gave up the fight.

Even as his illness took control, Don’s favorite saying was “I am the luckiest man alive.”