Walter Parker

Walter Parker, 88, passed away unexpectedly in El Paso, TX., Sept. 9, 2016. Walt was born Sept. 26, 1927 in Belmar, NJ, as a first generation American to Walter and Gladys Mae (Burkett) Parker. He graduated from Hollywood High School in Hollywood, CA. At age 17, he enlisted as a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy, serving on the flagship of the Japanese Occupation, the U.S.S. Fall River. Walt worked in many facets of photography, from newsreel processing to portrait photography. Known for his witty sayings, called Waltisms, Walt maintained an entrepreneurial spirit throughout his life. At 65, he became a certified Auctioneer. At 85, he opened The Frutas Avenue Fraternal & Social Club. His wife, Eva Barragan Parker, passed away three weeks prior to Walt, on August 19, 2016. He is survived by his children: Susan Davies, Margaret Beth Ernest (Donald), Robert Laurence Parker (Jacqueline), Shannon Parker (Chris Eigsti), and Amy Parker-Morris (Russell); and stepchildren James Paternoster, Laurie Paternoster (Michael Churchman), Renee Mazza, and Neftali Ruelas (Marella). He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A mariachi mass will be officiated by Monsignor Smith at St. Raphael Catholic Church, 2301 Zanzibar Rd, Sept. 17, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. A celebration of life follows at The Frutas Avenue Fraternal and Social Club, 3803 Frutas Ave. Services entrusted to Hillcrest Funeral Home.