Ralph O. Parker

Funeral services for Ralph O. Parker, 96, of Collinsville, OK, were held Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at First Baptist Church in Collinsville, OK. Pastor Daniel Prock officiated, and burial was in Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, OK. Casket bearers were Zach Mendez, Mark Parker, Nick Mendez, Bobby Parker, Harrison Mendez and Rodger Conger.

Ralph was born December 2, 1923 in Purcell, OK, to Joe Edward and Lucinda Jane “Lula” (Ferguson) Parker. He passed away peacefully to be with his Father in Heaven on October 29, 2020 in Collinsville, OK.

Ralph attended Purcell Schools and graduated from Purcell High School. He served in the Army Air Force from 1945 until 1951. He graduated from Oklahoma A&M in Stillwater in 1950. While attending A&M, he was able to assist in the construction of the student union on campus.  Shortly thereafter, Ralph met his sweetheart, Juanita, and they married November 9, 1951. Ralph received a degree as a mechanical engineer and worked for Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville until his retirement in 1985. In 1960, they welcomed first child, Michael, and in 1962 son, Dan, and in 1964 daughter Linda. Ralph greatly valued education and encouraged his children to pursue their goals. Ralph enjoyed hobbies such as building an airplane, being a part of camping clubs, listening to big band swing music, photography and maintaining a well-manicured lawn. Ralph was an active and dedicated member at First Baptist Church, Collinsville, OK, for 20+ years. Family would use these words to describe Ralph…hard working, intelligent and kind. He will always be “pawpaw” to all of his grandchildren and great grands.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita Parker of Collinsville; son, Michael Parker and wife, Kim of Collinsville; daughter, Linda Parker of Collinsville; grandchildren, Lauren Watts and husband, Justin, Abbie Corley, Zachary Mendez and wife, Amber, Nicholas Mendez and wife, Whitney, and Harrison Mendez and wife, Kalea; 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Bob Parker; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by son, Daniel Parker; brothers, Bill Parker and Jody Parker; sister, Betty Parker; and parents, Joe and Lula Parker.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.