Earl Brewer Parker Jr. was welcomed into the gates of Heaven on June 7, 2025, at the age of 88. He was born on October 15, 1936, to Bianka Williamson Parker and Earl Brewer Parker, Sr. in Vicksburg, MS. He lived all his formative years in Vicksburg graduating from Carr Central High in 1955 serving as Class President.
He attended Wake Forest University and was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. He later transferred to Mississippi State University obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry in 1959. Within weeks of graduating, he married his childhood sweetheart Vera Anne Versen also of Vicksburg. In 1964 he received a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He and Vera packed up and made residence in Orange, Texas where he went to work for DuPont as a research chemist. Several years later he changed employers to Gulf Research and Development Company, later known as Gulf Oil which in 1984 became Chevron. His entire career was in the plastics industry. He worked and managed labs at Orange Plant and at the Chevron Cedar Bayou location. Another job he held while with Chevron downtown Houston was serving as the Chevron liaison to the Food and Drug Administration. One week shy of his 60th birthday, he retired after 30 years. Lastly serving as Chevron Chemicals Orange Technology Lab Manager and Product Compliance Officer for their plastics division.
Soon after his arrival in Orange, Texas, Earl bought his first horse. He would own many during the years to follow. Retirement allowed him to time for riding cutting horses. This interest continued 15 plus years as he competed as a NCHA non-pro rider, and also achieving the distinction of a AAA level cutting horse judge.
Retirement also enabled him to explore and find new interests. He became an expert on the travels of Louis and Clark, was a docent at the Stark Museum of Art for 13 years and continuing to serve on committees at First Presbyterian Church of Orange. He also researched and co-sponsored a Columbarium Garden. It was also during this time he discovered his curiosity in the U.S. Cavalry Remount Breeding Program. This research project covered many years including travel to towns which had served as U.S. Cavalry Depots. He compiled his records to create a database of these horses’ pedigrees. This information had never been documented. He donated his research to the American Quarter Horse Association headquartered in Amarillo, Texas
In 2015 he and Vera moved to Pinecrest Retirement Community in Lufkin, Texas. He always said the Piney Woods of East Texas reminded him of Mississippi. It was here, his wife of over 56 years passed away. He spent five years as a bachelor until he met and married his second wife, Judith Parker, who was also a resident. It was during his marriage to Judy, he developed a fascination with Monarch butterflies. East Texas was in their flight pattern to and from Mexico. This knowledge prompted him to donate money for three butterfly gardens in the area. His life was lengthened having married Judy. Their lives continued happily until her death last year.
Earl always believed he could do anything he set his mind to. He coined a phrase, having reflected on his younger years, “Don’t count out the underdog.” Throughout his life he was an encourager of others and lived as an example of a good and faithful servant. He could often be found encouraging family and non-family members alike on the value of education and having Christ in their lives.
He lived a Christ centered life with family coming in a close second. He was an active father and grandfather making time to watch performances at the: pool, track, dance stage, cheerleading, golf course, UIL stage, football field, basketball court, volleyball court and soccer field. And if not in attendance, spoke encouraging words of praise for a job well done. Earl was a devoted husband, Dad, Dadi, brother and friend to many.
He is preceded in death by his parents Bianka Williamson Parker and Earl Brewer Parker, Sr, his son Louis Versen Parker, wife Vera Versen Parker, brother in law Stan Howell, his second wife Judy Scibetta Parker and brother in law Joe Versen. He leaves behind to cherish his memories, his daughter Paige Parker Speer and husband Kevin of Mont Belvieu, TX, son E. Brewer Parker III and wife Amy of Gastonia, NC, his sister Nancy Howell of East Lansing, Michigan, brother and sister in law Greg Versen and wife Susie of Harrisonburg, VA and sister in law Terri Versen of York, SC. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Madison Speer, Caroline Watts and husband Marshall, Parker Speer and wife Jasmine, Payton Parker, Sloan Parker, great granddaughter Chapel Grace Watts and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family wishes to thank Angel Branch of Pinecrest Home Health as she went above and beyond in taking care of Earl for 10 years. Kaleigh Little of Visiting Angels who was a constant companion and dutiful caregiver. Also, many thanks to the special ladies of Pinecrest Home Health who cared for him at end of life. And lastly, Hospice in the Pines.
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, July 21, at 11:00 at First Presbyterian Church of Lufkin, Texas. A family columbarium service will be held on Tuesday, July 22 at First Presbyterian Church of Orange, Texas. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Earl’s name to: First Presbyterian Church, 607 Janeway Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904, or Hospice in the Pines, 1504 W Frank Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75904.
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