Dennis W. Parker

Dennis was born May 12th, 1949 in Urbana, Illinois to Carl William and Wanda Theresa Parker. He grew up in the small farming town of Rantoul, Illinois where his dad was mayor at one time, and his mother was the organist of the local Methodist Church. He loved visiting his grandparents on their farm, and eating grandma’s sugar cookies after helping in the garden.

Dennis attended Rantoul Township High School and was an excellent, straight A student. He balanced his studies with a lot of fun and mischief alongside his life long friends, The Malt Boys. He graduated in 1967. While attending the University of Illinois he met the love of his life, Sandy. She was still in high school but was quite smitten with her good looking college guy. After 18 months of courtship which included Sandy getting relocated to Big Spring, Texas, they married November 28th, 1970. This was the beginning of 52 years of marriage they would enjoy together.

After obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1971, Dennis was commissioned into the United States Air Force in August of 1971. Upon graduation from Officer Training School (OTS), he was assigned to Webb Air Force base in Big Spring, Texas for pilot training. Upon graduating, he trained at MacDill AFB in Tampa, Florida in the F-4 Phantom II. Upon completing F-4 training, Dennis received orders for a one year assignment to Kunsan, South Korea. His final duty station was Seymour Johnson AFB in the 335th Fighter Squadron.

After his USAF career, Dennis was hired by American Airlines and the family moved to Hurst, Texas. Dennis had a great career at American Airlines while flying the 727, DC-10 and 777. The Parker family made lifelong friends along the way prior to Dennis retiring from AA in 2003.

In retirement, Dennis rekindled the love of billiards he developed as a boy in Rantoul. He was often found in pool halls winning trophies with his good buddies. The man had hundreds of trophies!

He also loved being out at Possum Kingdom Lake with family and friends. Especially fishing, boating, and floating with his family. Many memories were made while floating in Hell’s Gate.

He also attended a weekly Thursday morning breakfast with friends for over 25 years. They were often discussing family, solving the world’s problems, and strategizing the stock market.

Other interests included hunting, fishing, coaching his sons in baseball and basketball, gardening, wood and metal working, and building things both large and small.

Dennis had immeasurable love for his family. There wasn't anything that he wouldn't do for his children or grandchildren. Dennis was often seen around courts and ball fields watching his grandchildren play their sports.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Wanda Parker and brother, Stanley Parker. He is survived by his wife Sandra Lee Parker; his son, Jason Parker and wife Jamy and their children, William and Aubryn; his son Jonathan Parker and wife Meredith and their children, Gus and Oliver; his son Matthew Parker and wife Ashley and their children, Lainey and Lucas; brother Rex Parker; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 4pm-6pm at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, located at 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034.

A funeral service will take place on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 2:30pm at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, located at 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, Texas 76034. Burial with USAF Military Honors will ensue in the Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers are Jason Parker, Jonathan Parker, Matthew Parker, Dan Parker, William Parker, Russell Buske, Honorary Pallbearer, Lucas Parker, Honorary Pallbearer, Oliver Parker and Honorary Pallbearer, Gus Parker.

There will be a live stream option for the funeral service as well as the burial. Please scroll below near the service information to access the links.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Gary Sinise Foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org or to a charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Parker family.