John Douglas Parker

John Douglas Parker, 80, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 19, 2023, at his home in Houston. Doug was born in Big Spring, Texas, Jan. 22, 1943 to Dennis Weldon and Effie Dell Parker. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1961, received a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Government from the University of Texas at Austin in 1965, and then went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from UTPB in 1965.

As a youth in Garden City, Doug was a top-notch student academically, but also active athletically, playing basketball, tennis and starting quarterback on the football team his senior year. He was also very involved with Future Farmers of America, showing lambs, competing all over the state, and earning scholarships and many awards. One of his greatest accomplishments in high school was receiving the highest rank in scouting, Eagle Scout.

After graduating from UT, Doug coached basketball and taught history at Georgetown High School for 11 years, meeting and marrying the love of his life, Donna DeBerry in 1970. To be closer to family in Garden City, the couple moved to Stanton for one year where Doug coached and taught, before moving to Forsan where he would teach, coach basketball and tennis, and later go into administration. He would finish his career in education at Forsan High School retiring in 1996 after 19 years. He had an impact on many lives during his long career as a coach, teacher and principal.

Doug was an avid fisherman and hunter, he enjoyed golf, and loved to play Blackjack, making many trips to Las Vegas and later Lake Charles. He was an ardent sports fan and enjoyed watching college football and basketball, especially when UT was playing. Hook ’em Horns! He was an extremely intelligent man being a voracious consumer of books, with a sharp sense of humor and wonderful heart. He was a dedicated father who loved his kids immensely and was always there to support them.

Doug was predeceased by his parents, Effie and D.W. and two brothers, Charles Joe Parker and Dennis Truman Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Donna (DeBerry) Parker, of Katy; his son, Jason Parker and wife, Melanie and their two boys, James and William, of Katy; his daughter, Dawn Pollick and husband, Jason and their two children, Jackson and Cambell, of Tomball; his sister, Sue and her husband, Bill Shields of Novice and family; his brother, Jerry Parker and his wife, Deborah of Burnet and family; his sister-in-law, Pat Parker; and his niece, Melissa O’Neal and family of Arlington, Va.

Doug was cremated per his wishes with his ashes to be interred in the family plot in Garden City, Texas. Memorial services are being planned for his birthday January 22, 2023 in Big Spring, Texas at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. The service time will be announced closer to date. Inurnment will follow at Garden City Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle and Welch Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com

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