Marilyn Parker Reeder

Marilyn Parker Reeder (88), long active in Austin cultural and civic activities, died peacefully on March 5, 2016. Her life centered on her family. Surviving Marilyn are four sons (Joe Robert, Alexandria, VA), Glenn Parker (Oakland, CA), William Thomas (Tom, Jr., Alexandria, VA) and John Hamilton (New York, NY), five granddaughters (Rachael Anne Mai, Aubrilyn Reeder, Julia Randolph Reeder, Kelsey Glenn Reeder, and Charlie Parker Reeder), two great granddaughters, (Anna Linh Mai and Kara Linh Mai), four nieces, and their children. Joe served in the Clinton Administration as the Undersecretary of the Army, Glenn is a news anchor with Pacifica Radio, Tom is serving an appointment in the current Administration as Director, Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, and John works with a portfolio management firm.

Born Marilyn Ruth Parker in Laramie, Wyoming to Judge Sherrow Glenn Parker and Leila Ruth Beggs Parker, she grew up there, became a gifted classical pianist, and finished high school in Washington, DC, where her father performed WWII duties. After Marilyn went on to college, her parents moved to Cheyenne, where her father served many years as the Wyoming Supreme Court Chief Justice. On Christmas Eve, 1946, Marilyn married the love of her life, William Thomas Reeder (Tom, Sr.), a West Point roommate of her older brother, William Robert Parker, of the same 1946 class. Marilyn and Tom raised their sons during Tom's 29 years of Army service and 27 moves throughout Europe, the Pacific, and continental United States. Marilyn taught swimming to disabled children during two of these tours, at the Anacostia Naval Station (late 1960s), and in Las Cruces (early 1970s). In 1974, she and Tom, Sr. finally settled in Austin where he earned his Ph.D. and served on the University of Texas School of Engineering faculty until his death in 1993. Marilyn taught music at Casis Elementary School and was a tireless volunteer. As two long-time friends, ex-UT Chancellor Hans and Marion Mark put it, Marilyn was always finding new ways to contribute and seeing the best in situations, and people. A lifetime active Kappa Alpha Theta, she led cultural programs for the Austin Women's Club, served as President of Pathfinders and on St. Anne's Guild of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, belonged to P.E.O. for 70 years, and for decades swam daily as a devoted member of the renowned polar bear swimmers (some of her very best friends) at Barton Springs. Her resolve to swim pre-dawn in sub-freezing temperatures captured the press, including front page of the December 23, 1983 Austin American Statesman.

This loyal, loving friend, wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother, with her sparkling eyes and impish smile, will be deeply missed by her family and many friends, and memories of her will continue to inspire all of us.

Services celebrating Marilyn's life will be held on Thursday, March 10, at 4:00 pm, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church at Exposition Blvd and Windsor Road in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Marilyn's beloved KMFA classical music station in Austin will be very much appreciated.