EDWARD "ED" JAMES PARKER, SR.
1933-2007

Mr. Parker passed away November 23, 2007 at his home surrounded by his loving family at age 74. Mr. Parker was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Born the son of Dorothy Vernon Hall Parker Whitfield, at an early age Mr. Parker received Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was a faithful member of the Second Zion Travelers Baptist Church of New Orleans and also the Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church of Lompoc.

Mr. Parker was educated at McDonald Elementary School and Walter Cohn High School, both in New Orleans, Louisiana.

He later married the love of his life, Margie Georgia McElroy on September 19, 1953, and to that union they had three sons and four daughters. Ed is survived by his children. They are: Edward (Eddie) James Parker, Jr., Stanley Leon Parker, Tira Ann Parker Pittman, Diana Marie Parker, Sharon Michele Parker Gill, and Jimmie Lionel Parker. He is also survived by daughter Aliaya Taneia Parker Wright.

Mr. Parker retired from the United States Air Force on the first day of March 1972, and at that time took a second career at Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. He later retired on September 30, 1992.

Ed was a longtime member of the American Legion Post 211 where he will be greatly missed. Mr. Parker was also a two-time Commander of Post 211 (William B. Proud).

Mr. Parker enjoyed coaching Little League and Babe Ruth. He coached for many years and loved to teach the game of baseball. He helped shape many of the fine ballplayers that came out of the Lompoc area. Mr. Parker also enjoyed playing darts and was also an avid computer buff. He also loved to work in his garden and yard.

But most of all, Mr. Parker was very proud of his family and loved to be around them, especially at the Flower Festival and Mardi Gras.

Mr. Parker is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Vernon Hall Parker Whitfield and his dad George Brooks, and daughter Ridonia Selena Parker. He is also preceded by brothers and sisters: Benie Anthony Whitfield, Stanley Williamson, Ernest Edward Parker, and Mary Dunn. He is survived by his wife, children, one sister, Dorothy Mae Parker-Gray, nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 28, 2007 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary Chapel. Funeral services will be held Thursday, November 29, 2007 at
10:00 a.m. at Grace Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Lompoc with Reverend Brigette officiating.

If so desired, memorial donations in Mr. Parker's name may be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, 100 E. Locust Avenue, Lompoc, CA, 93436