Herbert Joseph Parker

HERBERT JOSEPH PARKER of Jonesboro died Wednesday, April 30 after a brief illness. He was 87 years of age. Herbert moved to Jonesboro in 1922 with his parents Olan and Elsie Parker, brothers Victor J. Stepka and Olan E. Parker and sister Hortense Parker (Cowles) and lived in Jonesboro for virtually his entire life. After graduating from Jonesboro High School in 1937 and completing his formal education at Arkansas State College and the University of Arkansas School of Law in Fayetteville, Herbert joined the Army Air Corps through the UA ROTC program and flew numerous missions in and around Luzon, New Guinea, the Southern Philippines, and the Western Pacific as a captain and pilot. His military decorations included the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters for extraordinary achievement and the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters for superior airmanship. One of his most memorable experiences was as co-pilot of the lead aircraft in the early morning commando action to liberate the Los Banos POW camp in the Philippines, recognized by one of the DFC awards.

Following WWII, Herbert returned to Jonesboro and after practicing law for a brief period in Paragould, joined his father, brothers and brother in law in family businesses in Jonesboro that included the Parker Buick dealership and later the Parker Furniture and Appliance store, both on Main Street. Herbert married Marie Latourette Parker in 1948 and they raised three children while Herb pursued other business ventures including an egg business in the vicinity of what is now ASU, that later became Gillespie Egg Company and KNEA radio, before branching into real estate development that Herb enjoyed for the rest of his life. Some of the developments he was most involved with included the subdivision now known as “Birdland” adjacent to the Jonesboro Country Club where the children were raised, University Shopping Center, Woodland Hills and Creekwood Subdivisions. Other ventures included acquiring Billy Goat Hill from the ASU Foundation and facilitating the expansion of the Jonesboro Country Club from 9 to 18 holes, and acquiring and enabling the subsequent development of Ridge Pointe Country Club. Substantial amounts of property were also donated to the City of Jonesboro over the years, including property for Fire Station No. 2 on E. Matthews, and properties for Parker Park and the Hope Street Park.

Herb was active in community service and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce & Jonesboro Unlimited for more than 50 years, where leadership roles included chairing the New Industries Committee, the Streets and Highways Committee, and working with other community leaders in securing University status for ASU. He was also a long-time member of the Jonesboro Rotary Club, continuing a family tradition, and attended and supported St. Mark’s Episcopal Church for over 50 years. In later years, Herb enjoyed keeping up with community developments in the company of his faithful traveling companion Sport.

Herb was particularly devoted to his family. Survivors include his wife Marie sons Michael (Mike) and wife Ruth of Little Rock, Herbert (Bert) and wife Robin of Little Rock and J. Matthew (Matt) and wife Tracey of Jonesboro. Grandchildren include Mike and Ruth’s sons Edward, wife Lori and their daughter Ella, and Andrew, wife Camille and son Benjamin; Bert and Robin’s sons David and Jordan; and Matt and Tracey’s children Jennifer, John Matthew, Sarah and Olivia Haynes. The family wishes Herbert to be remembered as a good citizen, an honest dealer and a compassionate man.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to donations to In lieu of flowers, the family asks that consideration be given to donations to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 531 W. College, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401 and The Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W. Oak, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401.
Burial will be graveside at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Holy Cross Cemetery with Rev. Joanne Barker officiating, followed by a reception at the family home. Sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers with Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.