Gene Owen Parker

Gene Owen Parker, Sr. was born September 21, 1926, and passed away on December 12, 2015, at age 89. He was born in Bremerton, WA to Lawrence M. and Isabelle Parker. His father was a career Navy Chief Warrant Officer and soon transferred to Honolulu, HI. After Hawaii, the family transferred to Cary NC, where Gene spent most of early life. He graduated from Edwards Military Institute and then moved to Austin, TX with his family. He enrolled in the University of Texas but soon joined the Navy at age 17 to serve in WWII.

During WWII, Gene served aboard APA 137 - USS Bowie, which sent landing craft filled with Marines to the beaches to engage the enemy. When the beach was secured, the injured were returned to the ship and taken to Honolulu for hospitalization.

When released from the service, Gene returned to Austin, where he met and married Barbara Scott on April 21, 1949. He again attended the University of Texas, where he earned a BS in Physical & Health Education. He later earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University as well.

Gene continued his Navy career through the Reserve Corp. He attended training and received his commission as Ensign. In November 1952, he and Barbara moved to Bainbridge, MD where he served at the Bainbridge Naval Training Center. This was during the Korean War. Gene remained in the Reserve Corps until his retirement at age 65. He attained the rank of Commander.

Gene and Barbara returned to Texas where Gene became a coach and teacher. During the next ten years, he coached at East Bernard, Giddings, Taft, Moody, Robinson and Austin. In Austin, Gene coached and taught at Porter Jr. High and Crockett High School. He then became the vice-principal at Lamar Jr. High, where he continued to work until his retirement. After retiring from AISD, Gene did several temporary assignments as vice-principal and also supervised student teachers at UT.

Wherever Gene and Barbara lived, they faithfully attended and served in the local Baptist Church. Gene was a deacon at Windsor Park Baptist Church in Austin, where he and Barbara were members for 29 years. They have been members at Bannockburn Baptist Church in Austin for the past 13 years. Gene regularly sent postcards filled with encouragement to all the members of his Sunday School class.

Gene is survived by Barbara, his loving wife of 66 years; his son, Gene O. Parker, Jr. and wife Julia; daughter Anne Parker Franklin and husband Michael. They have seven grandchildren: Elizabeth Parker Engelhardt (husband Gabe), Cynthia Parker Coppinger (husband Paul) and Josh Parker; Jake Franklin (wife Stephanie), Faith Franklin Koehler (husband Jacob), Parker Franklin and Sam Franklin. They have four great grandchildren and two more on the way. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia Davis and husband Ed and a host of nieces and nephews.

Gene is predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Isabelle Parker, his brother and sister-in-law Larry and Bertha Mae Parker and niece Vicky Fulfur; his sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Earl Crone.

The family would like to thank Hospice Austin, especially Laurie Cooper, Jamie Wilson and Jack, for the loving care they gave Gene in his final months. Also, thanks to Drs. Jennifer Wright and Catherine Wu at Texas Cancer Center for the excellent care and putting up with all Gene’s jokes.

In lieu of flowers, the Parker family requests contributions be made to Giddings Food Pantry, 190 N. Harris St., Giddings, TX, 78942 (founded by Gene O. Parker, Jr.).