Joseph William Parker

Joseph William Parker passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 7th. Joe was born February 26, 1929 in Kansas City, Mo., to Mildred Goldie and Joseph Howard Parker. Joe moved to Alaska with his family, in 1943 when he was 14 years old. Joe graduated from Anchorage High School where he was Captain of his basketball team. Joe enjoyed the outdoors, including bear hunting, fishing and camping. When Joe was 21 he flew to Chicago to attend a trade school studying to be an electrician. While in Chicago he met the love of his life, wife and bride of 67 years, Connie D. Parker. They married in Chicago, and to Connie’s delight, they moved to Alaska where they raised 5 children. Joe had decided to pursue a career in law enforcement and joined the Anchorage Police Department. Joe excelled in his field and was promoted to Captain at the age of 24. He loved his job and have heard told, he was never late nor took a sick day in the 22 years on the force. Joe was promoted to Deputy Chief until his retirement in 1971. Joe and Connie left Alaska and moved to Madison, Wisconsin where Joe was employed by the Justice Department as a law enforcement instructor. After a few years they moved further south to Connie’s hometown, Evansville, Indiana. Joe’s employment ventures found him as head of security for JC Penny’s. A few years after that move, they decided it was not warm enough and headed for Arlington, Texas where Joe was employed as a private investigator. Final retirement came and found Joe and Connie in their dream home on Lake Livingston in Riverside, Texas. They loved their lake house but found that it would be easier to live in the city so they moved to Huntsville. Joe was a wonderful man whose word was his bond. He loved his family and loved sharing “cop stories” from his time serving on the police force. Joe also enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and watching old westerns. Joe was preceded in death by his mom and dad, Mildred Goldie and Joseph Howard Parker and sister Barbara. He is survived by his sister Dorothy of California and brother Kenneth and wife Mary Parker of Grants Pass, Oregon. He is also survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Connie D. Parker, daughters Sandra Kay of Trinity, Texas, Karen and husband Barry Matteson of Anchorage, Alaska, Rhonda Jean Boos also in Anchorage. Sons, Mark William Parker and wife Kittie Vanston, Michael Joseph Parker and wife Karren Parker of Katy, Texas. Grandchildren Dawn Woodward, Tammy Fruge and spouse Phil, Robert and spouse Robin Hammett, Tracy and spouse Phil Czajkowski, Meggie and spouse Tim Hoeft , Dia Matteson, Clayton Lex, and Shelby Boos. Great grandchildren Joshua and Kyle Woodward, Allison, Zachery, Joshua and Aanika Czajkowski, Alex and Lacey Fruge, and Bodhi Hammett. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral is being held at the Riverside Methodist Church, Tuesday, March 14th at 2:30pm.

Joseph William Parker

February 26, 1929 - March 7, 2017