Douglas A. Parker

Douglas A. Parker passed away peacefully into the arms of his Heavenly Father on May 21, 2015. Doug was born on September 30, 1949 in Granville, New York. The family left their dairy farm in N.Y. and moved to Tucson in 1960. Doug graduated from Tucson High School and the University of Arizona. With his conservative background in finance and his entrepreneurial skills, Doug was a strong proponent of chasing the "American dream." He was a business visionary. He partnered with a friend and founded Trail Dust Steak Houses, Inc. in 1973. Trail Dust was his passion. With the help of his brothers and father, the concept grew to nine restaurants in Texas and Colorado and was a successful family business for 42 years. Doug also enjoyed mentoring others and helping them realize their business dreams. Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Ellen Parker and sister Nancy Parker Martin. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his wife Kathy "the love of his life,"; his children, Douglas, Jr. (Lacy), Brandon (Lauren), Michael "Cody," and Jennifer (Ben Sheen); his three grandchildren, (Sage, Zane and Austin); his brothers, Nathaniel III (Kathy), Richard (Laura); brother-in-law, Matthew Martin and numerous nieces and nephews. The family thanks the Carondelet Hospice staff and Peppi's House for their exceptional care of Doug during his courageous battle with cancer. A Celebration of Doug's life will take place at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Catalina Foothills Church, 2150 E. Orange Grove Road, in Tucson. Doug will be laid to rest in Dallas, Texas. Arrangements by DESERT ROSE HEATHER FUNERAL HOME.