Dean "Larry" Parker

1943 - 2017

Dean "Larry" Parker, 73, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at his home in Arlington, Texas following a stoic battle with cancer. Memorial Service: 7 p.m. Friday, May 12, 2017, at the Cathedral of Hope Interfaith Peace Chapel, 5910 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75235, with calling one hour before and after the service. Memorials: Preferred memorials are to the Texas Discovery Gardens, Dallas. Dean was born in Granite City, Ill., on Dec. 30, 1943, to the late Harry and Mary Wilson Parker. He was a 1961 graduate of Worden High School in Worden, Ill., and had studied marketing and journalism at Southern Illinois University. He was currently employed as a senior credit and collections administrator with Essilor America in Carrollton, Texas. A retired Teamster, Dean had previously worked with various trucking companies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. As a ballroom dance instructor, Dean had also been employed with dance studios in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Dean enjoyed his frequent Hawaiian travels, country dancing, gardening, floristry, and science fiction. Survivors: Dean is survived by his companion, Maury Harris of Arlington; his sister, Patricia Bennett of Azle, Texas; his brother, Bob (Dianne) Parker of Collinsville, Ill.; nieces, Susan (Chuck) Hestand of Tioga, Texas, and Bobbie (Timothy) Madura of Troy, Ill.; nephew, Nathan Parker, USAF deployed; and six great-nieces.