In Loving Memory

Gordon Edward Parker

Gordon Edward Parker
January 14, 1926
February 17, 2015
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Obituary

Gordon Edward Parker, age 89, passed away February 17, 2015 at his home.

There will be a private family internment at Prairie Lea Cemetery. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 21 at 2:00 p.m. in Brenham Memorial Chapel. A reception with family and friends will be held at Brenham Memorial Chapel immediately following the memorial service.

He was born January 14, 1926 in Brady, Texas to Eva Blackburn and Glitton Edward Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister, and one son Jeffrey Parker.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years Jo Marie Parker, daughter Sandra Parker Thielemann and son-in-law Michael Puryear of Seguin, Texas, and granddaughter Shea Lynn Thielemann of Dallas, Texas.

In January 1943 the United States was struggling with World War II. The war with Japan at the time was mostly defense and trained personnel was needed. Gordon left high school on his seventeenth birthday and joined the Navy.

During a short training period in San Diego, California, he requested sea duty and was assigned to serve aboard the battleship Tennessee, where he served for the duration of the war in the South Pacific. The ship, its officers, and men were only one of two battleships to receive the Navy Unit Commendation for Exemplary Duty during W.W.II.

The War over and with an honorable discharge in hand, he returned to his home town of Brady, Texas for a period of adjustment to civilian life. He soon found employment and enjoyed the change civilian life offered. He later learned the University of Houston offered night classes and after investigating the ability to work days and attended classes at night, a move to Houston was made.

In 1955 he began his career with financial institutions, when he was employed by University Savings & Loan Association as Vice President and Controller where he remained until 1968 when he became employed as President and Chairman of the South Central Savings and Loan Association in Brenham, Texas. The Association changed ownership in 1983 and he then became employed by Brenham National Bank as Executive Vice President. He retired from the bank in December of 1991 and remained as an advisory board member.

He enjoyed his co-workers and friends and was known to share a good story when the proper occasion arose.

He served on the Boards of: Bohne Memorial Hospital for 14 years (until it became Trinity Hospital), Brenham Industrial Foundation, Brenham Chamber of Commerce, and Brenham State School. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Knights of Templar, and Commandery for more than fifty years.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Country Bible Church or to the charity of your choice.

Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611 Tributes may be shared at www.BrenhamMemorialChapel.com.