Joel Parker Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Muskogee Phoenix.
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Our 1st date. A air show in Madera, Ca
Caroline Parker
April 16, 2010
Doug Or Gator as everyone called him has been gone (1) one month yesterday. I feel as though he should be walking thru the door any minute and telling me, " I'll be back in' in a little while. I have to go feed my animals. He would often pick on me until he'd get me all fired up' then turn around and smile at the kids and tell them " she loves me". I really did and still do, I will never replace Gator' there is no one in this world as good as he was. He gave me everyrhing I wanted' except a house and he was working on that. I know its to late but that man really truly loved me and I'm sure he's watching over me now. I LOVE YOU GATOR
Ellie & PaPa Gator
March 27, 2010
Cecilia Burns
March 27, 2010
To have been blessed not only with one Dad in this lifetime, but to have been blessed with the love of two was a gift beyond all others. Gator helped filled a whole in my heart just 8 months after loosing my Dad. I thank God for the opportunity to have shared those hugs and to have known his love. I believe Gator is in heaven sharing a glass of tea with Dad. He will be our angel, he will help protect and guide us. Please Lord, keep my family left behind safe and comforted. I know with time we will all be reunited, but keep Mom Carol close to your heart and help her in this time of need. Blessings to all those that loved him, knew him, and will remember him.
With all my love forever
Caroline Parker
March 26, 2010
My God, Doug what am I going to do with out you. I met you at a time I had decided men were never going to be in my life anymore. I didn't need one. But my darling you proved me wrong. You were the light of my life. I depended on you for everything. We spent 18 wonderful years together. My children,grand-children and Great grand-children became yours. You were loved by everyone. You worked hard and you played hard ( when we got to play ) We went on many trips to the oceans and mountains that even our kids didn't know about. Remember the night we almost froze in the 5th wheel because you forgot propane. We sure got close that night We had many good times and we had a few bad times but you always seemed to have a smile on you face. You always said we were FIRE and ICE. I was the Red headed one with the firey temper and you were the ice there to cool me off. And you did that a lot in the time we were together. Nothing seemed to make you mad or upset you. You were the BEST man I ever knew, there will NEVER be another GATOR. I loved you with all my heart and I will miss you forever. You used to make me mad on purpose and then go where I couldnt see you and you would smile and stick your tongue at me and tell the kids " SHE LOVES ME". And I Did and do. Wait for me Darling and pray to God that one day he will allow us to be together again. With all my love till the day we are together again. Your loving wife and best friend.
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Cindy Atkins
March 26, 2010
A Gentle Soul
Easy going was a man named Gator. From the South he came, to the west he traveled. To a new future a new wife,and new family and friends. What a great Life! Soft spoken and easy going and gentle in nature. Always looking to the heavens dreaming of flying. Gazing up, he would think of a wild sky where jets and eagles fly. Work, work, work till the day was done. Going here and there with family and friends. To wide open deserts or to ocean side. Injoying a time of peace. Until there came a day to say farewell, good-by. The man Gator with family at his side. once again he traveled to the East. Just shy of the south. Oklahoma was his destiny. There he made his home once again with Wife and new family. With green pastures and rolling hills, wide open skies to ease a troubled heart. Gazing up at the heavens a bright sky filled with thousands of stars. Fireflies filled the meadow as he injoyed a warm summers eve. As days passed and years came and went. Long hot summers and lazy days were a haze. Winters cold beyound cold seem to fly by. The gentle soul Gator so loved his home. Always lending a helping hand to friend or foe. Never refusing a hearty hug or a gentle moment. With glass of tea in hand. A (how u all doing) he would say. A lover, a father and grandfather and one of many brothers and loving Son. To those few a wonderful brother -in law. A heart of gold one to last a life time! So he looks to the heavens a gentle soul with wonder in his heart. Where will his travels go! Gator is called home. Into the arms of his Father. he travels once again. Not to the west with deep blue seas nor back to the south with fireflies. But to the heavens. To soar with eagles and fly the heavens with Angels. To rest in peace! A GENTLE SOUL IS DONE! We will miss you Gator. Loving sister-in law Cindy Atkins.
jeanetta grose
March 26, 2010
pops, i miss you so much,you were our rock,our piece maker in the family now you are our guardian angel.you are truely loved by all of us.you are the greatest man i`ve ever known.you helped me through the loss of my dad and if it werent for you i dont know i dont know where id be today.i miss your big hugs and the wisdom talks you gave to me.and no matter of the situation nor the problem you were there right by our side helping us through it. if there`s anyone has the biggest mansion in the sky it would be you.when they say let the love of the lord shine through it`s you.im going to miss you until we meet again.i thank you for being the man and the father you did`nt have to be.i love you pops and i always will.no one in my life will ever compare to the love and compasion you`ve shown me.thank you pops for being you,and god thank you for allowing me to know the man i called pops,loving you forever your daughter-in-law jeanetta,son jeff,grandaughers brittany,brooklynn,grandson steven
Michael Hendricks
March 25, 2010
I will miss you Dad. Throughout my life, I have traveled down different roads. It seems that every road I took good or bad, no matter what you were always there. There are still many roads I know I will be going down and I am sure you will be there with me. With all the love a son can give, Mike... I know we will meet again Gator.
Terry Hackworth
March 22, 2010
To the Parker family, may the Lord bless you and comfort you in this time of sorrow. I was deeply saddened upon hearing the news of my dear friend and coworker here at the Georgia Pacific Mill in Muskogee. I will never forget the day that I met him eight years ago when he introduced himself with "Just call me Gator!" He was always a positive example, a hard worker, and a tremendous joy to be around. I remember visiting with him just days before his passing that we needed be going fishing instead of working all the time and he replied "That's what I'm talking about!" Thank you God!, for blessing me with the opportunity to have such a great friend.
terry davis
March 22, 2010
Gator is a man that was took from every one that knew him way to early in life and will be greatly missed by all who knows him.I never knew him to gossip ,or have a harsh word about any one ,I really looked up to him,as a person and a freind ,and im proud to have had the pleasure of ,working ,with him and knowing him ,ill never forget u gator,R.I.P ,I have faith well meet again.
Jeff Cookson
March 21, 2010
Just heard of Gators' passing today at work ! I got to know him during our work breaks for about a year. I always enjoyed talking to him, and he was always very kind natured. Hpe all is well with his family and friends he left behind. God Bless.
Becky Creel Wilcox
March 19, 2010
Oh goodness, how to start. So many memories! Going to visit "the boys" as we always referred to Doug and his four brothers was one of our greatest joys as children. There were four of us girls, and as we had no brothers, "the boys" were like our brothers. We had many good times with them all, and that Doug - what a ham. He will always be in our hearts, attached to some of the happiest memories from my childhood. My sweet cousin Doug - you and those hugs will be greatly missed. Your adoring cousin - Becky
Vicky Ferrell-Shoemaker
March 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to the Parker family. I was a neighbor (across the street) in the 60s on Lucille Street. I remember that Doug would never say anything "hurt" - it was always "that tickled". I will remember Doug forever.
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