Dr. Paul R. Parker

Dr. Paul R. Parker, 63, died September 26, 2014 in Norfolk, Virginia. Memorial graveside services will be at 3:00 PM Saturday, May 30, 2015 in Miami Cemetery in Miami, Texas, with his sister, Dr. Linda C. Parker of Evansville, Indiana, officiating. Dr. Parker was born September 29, 1950 in Pampa, Texas. He grew up in Texas, attending Palo Duro High School in Amarillo. He attended Texas Christian University in Fort Worth where he received his B. A. degree. He then attended Methodist Theological Seminary in Delaware, Ohio, where he received his Masters of Divinity degree, and later attended Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, where he received his Doctor of Education degree. Ordained as a minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) on October 16, 1977, Paul served in a variety of ministerial positions including religious educator, pastoral ministry, interim ministry, hospital chaplaincy, jail chaplaincy, campus ministry, and camp and conference ministry. He served churches in Texas, Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. He served as a mentor and supportive colleague for many ministers throughout Virginia and elsewhere. Paul had many gifts and interests. He loved to share his gifts of a beautiful baritone voice, an experienced guitar player, and a dynamic performer. His creativity and energy was evident in his passion for all aspects of theater and drama. He enjoyed working on Habitat houses and doing home-improvement projects. Paul strongly believed in the power of healing touch and more generally, the power of a good strong hug or holding your hand during a prayer. He was a passionate participant in, an advocate for, and leader of Christian education and development through church camp and youth leadership opportunities. Finally, Paul loved to just spend time doing what he called “normal things” with his friends and family, like eating Mexican food, watching movies and working puzzles. Paul was preceded in death by his mother, Maleta Elsie Kennedy Parker; and his grandparents, Spence and Minnie Parker, who were longtime residents of Miami, Texas. Survivors include his daughter, Claire Jarvis Parker Siburt and husband Michael of Morrisville, North Carolina; his stepson, John Lancaster and wife Robin of North Chesterfield, Virginia; father and stepmother, Clifford Dale Ethyle Parker of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two sisters, Dr. Linda C. Parker of Evansville, Indiana, and Shari R. Parker of Corinth, Texas; a niece, Kennedy N. Parker Shuler; a nephew, S. Grant Parker Shuler; an aunt, Mary Alice Curl; an uncle, Franklin Spencer Parker; and many cousins from the Parker, Maddox and Kennedy branches of the family tree. Other survivors include Anna R. Jarvis, Claire’s mother; and Beverly Adams-Parker, John’s mother.