Nathan Alex Parkey

Nathan Alex Parkey, 72, of Tucson, passed away at home on February 10, 2022, following a year-long battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family. He was born November 24, 1950, in Decatur, Texas to Robert and Louise (Wolfe) Parkey.

Nathan left high school in 1968 to join the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War as a Gunner’s Mate. Following his service, Nathan attended the University of Arizona and graduated with a B.S. in Public Administration in 1975. He graduated with his Juris Doctorate from the Pepperdine College of Law in 1978. The majority of his 44-year law career was spent practicing family law in a private practice setting until his retirement in 2022. Believing everyone should be entitled to access to legal representation regardless of their financial status or situation, Nathan worked as a pro bono attorney in Pima County with the Volunteer Lawyers Program and Step Up to Justice, earning yearly recognition for his many hours of dedicated service to the community. Near the end of his career, he also served as a judge pro tem for the Oro Valley Magistrate Court.

Nathan attended Christ Presbyterian Church, was a Freemason, and was a Texan to his core. He had a great sense of humor, was a former American Youth Soccer Association coach, was an avid reader, and loved telling stories about his time growing up in Texas and while in the Navy. Nathan loved to play cards and could beat anyone at Hearts. He enjoyed sitting outside with the numerous hummingbirds that graced the feeders in his yard.

Nathan was preceded in death by his parents. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of nearly 38 years, Kenda, and their daughter Kallie Parkey-Walker (Michael); children from a former marriage: daughter, Jennifer Parkey and grandchildren Elijah Schmitt and Hannah Carey, and son, Aaron Parkey and grandson Ethan Parkey; siblings: Doniphan Wade “Donny” (Arvietta), Steven (Sonya), and Carla Holt (Kent); and many aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather, and “grandpaw” to dogs Molly and Koda. He will be missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on February 25th, at Christ Presbyterian Church, 6565 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson. Nathan asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any animal charity of your choice.