Donald "Don" Lee Parker

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations in Don's memory be made to the West Eminence Christian Church.

Donald Lee “Don” Parker was born in St Louis, MO on July 6, 1933 and departed this life in West Plains, MO on August 17, 2021. He had attained the age of 88. Don was the son of Glen and Florence Parkin Parker.  On July 7, 1955 he was married to his wife of over 66 years, Virginia Lee “Vee” Pippin. The two were blessed with two daughters, Kaye Lynn and Deanna Sue “Dee”.

Don joined the US Air Force when he was just 17 years of age and served for over 20 years. During this time, he served in Korea, Japan, and at several stateside bases.  After retiring as a Master Sergeant from the Air Force in San Antonio, TX, he moved the family back to Missouri. Here, he became a National Park Service Ranger with Ozark Scenic Riverways. Don was stationed at Round Spring and later at Alley Spring. He served over 20 years in this role until his retirement in 1993. He was a “rare” Park Ranger who made many lifelong friends in the Timber and Eminence area and was known for his ready smile and even-handed fairness as a law enforcement officer.

Don was a Christian and a faithful member and deacon of the West Eminence Christian Church. He devoted much of his time after retirement serving others.  Don loved to fish, but especially loved golfing, and was still playing 18 holes at least twice a week until shortly before his passing. His real love, though, was his family, especially his three grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.  He was extremely proud of them all and usually became a nuisance with his camera at every family get together.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Lloyd Parker and Ivan Parker, and sister Norma Brinker.  He is survived by his wife Vee of the home, sister Wilma Kuenzel of Hot Springs, AR, daughters Kaye Akers (Tom) of Eminence, and Deanna Barton (Mike) of Birch Tree, grandsons David Akers (Jill)  of Morton, IL, and Billy Barton (Vanessa) of Ironton, and granddaughter Jessica Mabry (Preston) of Van Buren, seven great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

When you visited with Don, you always left feeling better.  He will be missed terribly by all of his family, and also by the many who knew and loved him.