Thomas Bernard Parker was born February 21, 1945 in Denver, Colorado and raised in upstate New York and Shelton, Connecticut. He attended high school in Arizona at Scottsdale High and graduated from Arizona State University where he was a member of the ROTC. The ROTC was the beginning of a military career that spanned forty years and included serving in Vietnam, flying helicopters to rescue wounded troops from the field. Those heroic efforts earned him numerous medals and honors which include the Distinguished Flying Cross. After his discharge from the Army in 1970, he maintained his connection to the military through duty in the Army Reserves and the Army National Guard, and continued to earn honors and promotions for his devotion to service to his country.
Tom passed away September 29, 2013 and is survived by his wife, Anita Parker, daughter Allison and daughter Trilde Moore, grandchildren Maddie, Simon and Jessie of Phoenix, daughter Heidi Fleming and grandchildren Benjamin and Brandon of Newberg, Oregon, mother Ceil Parker and sisters Leslie and Kerry, and Aunt Rita Lambert of Connecticut, and sister Martha Parker of Minnesota.
A full Military Service will take place October 11, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, and a Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. October 13, 2013 at the St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church at 56th Street and Oak in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Mary’s Food Bank, 2831 N. 31st Ave., Phx., AZ 85009.
Aunt Rita Lambert
We are united in prayer as we say farewell to our dear Tom..knowing for sure that he will always be close to us and always in our hearts Anita and Allie, we love you and ask our good God to give you strength in the knowledge that Tom is now with God and with you every step of life’s journey. With a heart full of love, Rita
Joyce Sanders
Anita and Allie,
I worked with Tom at DIS/DSS from 1995 through 2002 when I retired. He was a dedicated employee and a professional co-worker.
He was well thought of by his co-workers. God bless you both. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joyce Sanders
Jay Dixon
Anita and Allie,
Thank you Ms. Sanders for sharing how we felt about him. All spot on. I liked his light hearted clean jokes and the way he treated myself and our team. He gave Respect and an open ear.
It was all too clear how he loved and adored you – he spoke of you often and generously.
I miss our holiday gatherings to eat Nita’s Holiday Ham – oh so good.
Jay Dixon
Tom Winiecki
I had the privilege to serve with Tom in the Army Reserve. Not only was he a good example as a soldier and mentor, but a great friend too. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
CW5 (R) John Pavlich
Anita- We only met once or twice, but I thought the world of Tom. He was a Man of Integrity and a true Warrant Officer. He took care of the troops and cared deeply for his family and his country. He was a “get ‘er done type of guy”! I had not seen Tom in years, but would have done anything for him and his. He is in the Lord’s hands now and suffers no more. May the peace of Christ be in your heart at this time.
Take care, John