Tributes

PARKER USAF Colonel RET Charles W. Parker, 86, died February 12, 2009 and is now at peace with the Lord. He was born December 26, 1922 in Ft. Worth and grew up in Tenaha, TX. Charlie joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and earned his wings January 7, 1944. He flew his beloved P-51 Mustang during World War II and went on to serve as an Air Force officer for 28 years flying B-52 bombers out of Westover, AFB, MA and also was stationed in Hawaii, Viet Nam and SAC HQS in Nebraska. His last assignment was Chief of the Emergency Ops Center, Ft. Ritchie, Maryland, where he retired from active duty in 1976. His love of flying airplanes continued throughout his life. Several years ago at the Randolph Air Show he 'held court' as dozens of young men gathered around a P-51 on display while he painstakingly explained every detail of the plane, drawing rousing applause at the end of his impromptu presentation. Charlie loved to tell jokes and laugh, believing worrying wouldn't 'change a thing.' He had a great smile and sense of humor and lived to play golf. His two passions—golf and the military will live on in his grandsons—Michael, now a golf pro, and Steven who plans to serve in the United States Air Force. During his last years as his health declined, Charlie was warmly embraced by his caretakers at Stone Oak Care Center, especially John in therapy and the wonderful nursing staff in the 400 hall. His family thanks all of you. Charlie was preceded in death by his wife, Charlie B. O'Brien Parker and is survived by three children: Bill Parker of Franklin, TN and wife Linda; Susan Parker Rodriguez of San Antonio; and Donna Parker Bannwolf and husband, Kevin; grandsons, Michael Rodriguez and wife Abbie of WI, and Steven Bannwolf, who misses his Pop-Pop. We remember his dear friend Homero Rodriguez, as well as Leloise Ponce. Charlie's kids thank him for the opportunity to see the world and for taking us to Mountain Park to ride the coaster. Perhaps the best was peacefully watching TV westerns and old movies with few words, but great comfort. We wish our dad eternal peace with our Lord and Savior. SERVICE Graveside Service will begin at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

Tributes

Charles William Parker

December 26, 1922 - February 12, 2009