Thomas Parker

Thomas Carroll Parker died peacefully in his sleep the morning of Feb. 7th after a short but painful battle with cancer. Thomas was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 16, 1928 to Thomas Maxwell Parker and Melinda Dennison Dwyer. He spent his younger years between Castle Hot Springs, AZ and Grosse Pointe, MI which ranged from learning to be a working cowboy to dinner with Babe Ruth. When spending time in Castle Hot Springs there weren’t enough kids for a school house so he rode his horse 4 ½ miles to be tutored by Madge Champie. He attended Peoria High School and then went on to attend Phoenix College, University of Arizona and University of Baltimore. He actually wanted to become an attorney. He permanently moved to AZ in 1966 and married Jane McAllister in 1968. They spent 36 years enjoying friends, attending parties, playing horse shoes and fishing. Tom pursued many career paths. He served in the United States Army from 1950-1952 as a Turret Artillery Instructor. He was a bar owner, managed a warehouse at Virginia Donuts, was a Zanjero for SRP, but his true love was his work for the City of Glendale where he was a Right Away Agent. He retired in 1992 after 19 years of service. Thomas gave back to his community by serving on the West Child Valley Crisis Center Board. He is preceded in death by Jane E. Parker and many beloved friends. Thomas is survived by his children, Claudia McAllister Green, Thomas McAllister, Cynthia McAllister VanDeman , Patty Kurzmiller, Joan Prodey , Barbara McCann and many grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, Febuary 12 at Menke Funeral & Cremation Center, 12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City. A Reception will follow the service at the old homestead, 83rd Ave. & Maryland. Donations may be made to Mayo Clinic Dept. of Development for Cancer Research 14300 E.. Shea Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85259 or Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014.