Fred Anthony "Tony" Parker II's Obituary
Fred Anthony Parker, II, age 75, of Bush, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Born to Fred and Eva Parker in Athens, Texas, on November 28, 1949, his life was marked by his enduring love for others. He was a cherished son, brother, husband, dad, uncle, “Pappy”, and friend to many.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years, Karen Sarles Parker, and his beloved son-in-law, Jeff Watson.
He is survived by his children, Heath Anthony Parker and his wife Amy Parker of Auburn, Alabama, Paul Hansen Parker of Bush, Louisiana, and Lynsey Parker Watson of Metairie, Louisiana; and grandchildren, Hayden Parker, Hali Parker, Abrial Suarez, Hattie Parker, Hiatt Parker, and Chayse Parker. He is also survived by his devoted sister Glenda and her husband Jim McDowell of Brackettville, Texas, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Fred A. “Tony” Parker grew up in west Texas and graduated with academic honors from Permian High School in 1968 as well as the honor of being twice voted “Most Handsome”. He was proud to be a part of the early days of Permian Panther “MOJO” High School Football. Tony then went on to Texas Tech University where he played a year of football and earned a bachelor’s degree in business in 1972. He married his high school sweetheart, Karen, in 1969 and began a family as well as a career in the oil and gas industry. Tony learned the ropes as an oilfield hand which launched a successful career as a wireline service sales professional. Sales is where Tony shined, mentoring younger coworkers and cultivating relationships with clients, both of which turned into lifelong friendships. His career took him to Hobbs, New Mexico, Oklahoma City, and all over Texas until settling in the New Orleans area where he spent nearly three decades fully enjoying Louisiana’s unofficial state slogan as a “Sportsman’s Paradise”. As luck would have it, after a lifetime of hitting golf balls, he found his swing this last year by “staying slow and taking it easy”. In closing, a quote from the country band 33Miles: “You only get just one time around. You only get one shot at this. One chance to find out the one thing that you don’t want to miss. One day when it’s all said and done, I hope you see that it was enough. This one ride, one try, one life to love.”
“Pappy” loved his family far more than enough, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial services on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 West 21st Avenue, Covington, Louisiana. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM with a memorial service at 2:00 PM and inurnment of both Tony and his wife Karen immediately following in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens. Please join the family for light snacks, refreshments, pictures, and stories, as they celebrate Tony and Karen dancing in Glory.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Parker’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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