Donald Parker

Donald Eugene Parker passed from this life on December 23, 2025, at the age of 87 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Don was born on October 29, 1938, in Boulanger, OK, to Fred and Arizona (Hampton) Parker. He grew up in Pawhuska and graduated from high school with the Class of 1957. After high school, Don joined the United States Army and was initially stationed at Ft. Irwin, CA. Upon his honorable discharge, Don returned to Pawhuska, Oklahoma, where he began working in the pipeline industry for several years.

Don later met Jean Klinski while on a job in Caledonia, Minnesota where she was working as a carhop at the A&W Root Beer Stand. The two were united in marriage on August 3, 1974, in Caledonia, and were married for 51 years. They made their initial home in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. Don worked at CE Natco for several years before moving on to Maloney Crawford. He then began working at Cust-O-Fab, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. In 2004, Don and Jean moved to Cleveland, where they continued to reside.

Don enjoyed spending time on the farm near Boulanger, Oklahoma, where he loved hunting, fishing, and enjoying nature. He could often be found tinkering in his garage. His biggest joy was spending time with family and doting on his four grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; two daughters, Tracy Lewis of Piedmont, Oklahoma, and Alison Clarke (husband Will) of Erie, Colorado; two sisters, June Sumter of Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and Peggy Nelson (husband Roy) of Canton, Texas; and four grandchildren, Ava, Megan, Braxton, and London. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Zona Parker, and his siblings, Franklin Dale Parker, Henry Dean Parker, Wilfred Glenn Parker, and David Lowell Parker.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 1:00 pm at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 9223 E. 95th Court, Tulsa, Oklahoma, with Pastor Nathan Nass officiating. Chapman-Black Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. Friends and family may visit an online guest book and memorial page for Don at www.chapman-black.com.