Philip Lee Parker Jr

Philip Lee Parker, Jr was born September 8, 1947 in St Louis Missouri and passed away on March 12, 2017 in Houston Texas.  He is preceded in death by his parents Philip L Parker and Willette Valleroy Parker.  He is survived by his sisters Katheryn Henry of Washington and Nanette Kalter of Edinburgh Texas and his wife Sheryl Stout Parker of Houston.

Phil graduated from high school in Eugene, Oregon and attended college at the University of Oregon and community colleges in Seattle, Washington.

In 1971 Phil accompanied his parents and youngest sister to McAllen, Texas where his dad, a former aerospace engineer and his mom retired.  He worked at HEB and attended Pan American University.

While attending church in McAllen he met his future wife Sheryl who was a first year English teacher in La Joya.  The couple was married June 1972 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.  They made their home in Houston.

Phil enjoyed exploring the Texas countryside and wildflower hunting.  The couple befriended numerous homeless animals and brought them into their home.   Classical music brought Phil soothing pleasure.   He also enjoyed museums with his favorite art Impressionism.

Phil worked for small off-the-road exploration vehicle manufacturing companies.  He quickly learned purchasing and gained new skills both in purchasing and management.  He also attended the University of Houston.  In 1985 Phil went to work for Parks and Recreation, The City of Houston.   

While at the City he worked at the Houston Zoological Gardens for about 13 years.  He ran the commissary and managed the staff and warehouses where the animal diets were stored and prepared.

Early in the new millennium he transferred to Houston Airport System where he continued in materials and contract management as a Division Manager.   

In about 2009 Phil and his wife joined First United Methodist downtown.   

Phil retired from the City in July 2014.  One week later he experienced a stroke which combined with multiple sclerosis removed him from independent living.   His wife sought treatment and support for him until he died very peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at Com for Care assisted living.  Their last words to each other were "I love you."  

What God had put together stayed together until God called one home.  Visitation for family and friends will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2017 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm in the Chapel of Beresford Funeral Service.

Burial of ashes will take place on October 16, 2017 in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, Missouri, next to his parents.

A Memorial Service was held on March 26, 2017 at First Methodist Church in downtown Houston.