Felix Claiborne Parker Jr.'s Obituary
Parker Jr., Felix C. 92, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away on Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 after a fulfilling life. Funeral: Feb. 19, 12:30 pm, Restland Funeral Home, Wildwood Chapel Felix was born on Aug. 2, 1917 in Ennis, TX to Hallie and Felix Parker, Sr. He graduated from Ennis High School in 1935, moved to Dallas and met his future wife, Adrian Jordan, at East Dallas Christian Church. Felix enlisted in the Army at the beginning of WWII. After Officers’ Training School, Captain Parker returned to Dallas so that he and Adrian could be married. Their union lasted 64 years until Adrian’s death in 2007. After the war, Felix returned to Dallas and his pre-war job at Skillern’s Drug Stores, where he advanced to store manager, then buyer. In 1957 he left to open his first One Hour Martinizing Shop. Felix and Adrian worked side-by-side, successfully building 6 plants. They sold the business in 1990. Adrian and Felix loved to travel throughout the world. Tiring of retirement, Felix led the Texas Laundry and Drycleaners Ass’n. as Executive Director for 10 years. A dry cleaning Chair in his name was established at TWU. He also was named Instructor Emeritus with the Dale Carnegie Courses a sought-after teacher in Texas. The couple taught Sunday School at Lakeview Christian Church, also serving as elders. Felix also served God through the Masons and Scottish Rite. He was a 33-degree Mason, a Wise Master of the Rose Croix Funeral Team and on the Speaker’s Bureau. At 75, Felix was named Volunteer of the Year for Scottish Rite Hospital. He was also active in the Shrine Circus and he LOH. In 2003, Felix and Adrian moved to the Juliet Fowler Homes, where he passed away. He was preceded in death by Adrian and sister, Doris Pierce; Survived by daughter, Marilyn Painter and husband, John; son, Richard Parker and wife, Frances; grandchildren, Kristen and Boone Painter and Seth and Cody Parker and 5 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Welborn St., Dallas, TX 75219 (214/559-5000) www.tsrhc.org
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