Herschel Lee Parker

Graveside services for Hershel Lee Parker, 78, of Clovis, will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 11, 2013 in the Portales Cemetery with Rev. Don Reid officiating. Michael McKee, Chava Flores, Chad LaRue, Landon Walker, Andrew Tipton, Brady Flores and Preston McKee will serve as pallbearers. All of his musician friends will be honorary pallbearers. Those desiring to make memorial contributions may send them to the New Mexico Baptist Children's Home, 2200 S. Ave I, Portales, NM 88130.
Hershel Parker was born April 20, 1934 in Portales, NM to the home of Katie and Vernon Parker and died early Friday morning, February 8, 2013 in Clovis, NM. Hershel grew up in Portales and married Louise Box on March 31, 1952. Hershel began working for Bell Telephone Company that same year, and retired in the 1980's to care for his mother. Through the years he worked for the company in El Paso, Clovis, Estancia, Artesia and Albuquerque. He became a manager while living in Estancia, and managed all of the subsequent locations where he worked.
After his retirement, Hershel moved back to Clovis to make his home. On June 16, 2001, his wife, Louise passed away. On August 19, 2002 in Clovis he was married to Stella Coffman. Hershel was a very talented musician, and could play virtually any stringed instrument, as well as the harmonica. Through the years he had played with various bands, including the Rhythm Wranglers and the border Town Four.
Hershel was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and going camping with his family. He was a member of the Lions Club while living in Artesia and also in Clovis, and also was active in the Telephone Pioneers.
He is survived by his wife, Stella of their home; two daughters and sons-in-law, Trisha and Rusty McKee and Becky and Eddie LaRue of Artesia, NM; a step-son and daughter-in-law, Chuck and Suzie Tipton of Clovis; a step-daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and Harvey Brady of Clovis; six grandchildren, Terry (Chava) Flores, Michael (Kristy) McKee, Jennifer (Landon) Walker, Chad (Shannon) LaRue, and Andrew and Savanah Tipton; six great-grandchildren, Brady and Cooper Flores, Preston and Kaiti McKee and Harlee and Preslee Walker; and a brother, Sherman He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Jerry Parker and a sister, Mary Emma Middleton, as well as his first wife, Louise.
Arrangements are under the direction of Wheeler Mortuary of Portales. 575-356-4455, wheelermortuary.net