Eugene Henry Parker Jr.

Eugene H. Parker Jr. was born on June 10, 1940, in Morrilton, Arkansas. He was the fourth son born to the union of Eugene H. Parker Sr. and Alathia R. Stewart Parker.

He enjoyed telling tall tales of his childhood, walking five miles to school, uphill both ways, in the rain, sleet, and snow.

Eugene would share the legendary tale, that at the age of 13, he carefully constructing a raft made of twigs, straw, and mud, sturdy enough to float his parents and siblings up the Mississippi River to the Missouri River, safely arriving in Kansas City. Along the way, they caught fish and hunted to keep the family fed. At least that was the story he always told, and it is the story we will always cherish. After relocating to Kansas City, the family united with Progressive Baptist Church in 1954. Eugene accepted Christ and was baptized soon after. In 1958, Eugene graduated from Lincoln High School, affectionately known by him as “The Castle on the Hill.”

Soon after high school, he married Jamesetta Irven. Although the marriage did not endure, their shared love and commitment to their sons, Dwayne, Timothy, and Lance, remained strong. Eugene was also the father of Lamont Edwards, whom he shared with Betty Edwards.

In 1963, Eugene began his career at Western Electric, later AT&T. Determined to grow professionally, he earned his associate degree from Rockhurst College, which led to his promotion into management. While working at Western, he met his best friend and forever love, Marie Helmon Timmons. They were united in marriage on November 6, 1976, at Progressive Baptist Church by Reverend A.M. Hudson. Together they welcomed a daughter, Stephanie Parker, and Eugene lovingly embraced and raised two bonus children, Daphne and Lee Timmons, as his own.In October 1986, Eugene was ordained as a Deacon. At Progressive Baptist Church, he faithfully served as Chairman of the Trustee Board, Chairman of the Deacon Board, Sunday School leader, and choir member. His two favorite songs to lead were “When I See Jesus Amen” and “Long As I Got King Jesus.” He had a powerful voice and a love for Christ that shone through every note.

He retired from AT&T in 1989 after 25 years of dedicated service and began working for Procter and Gamble in 1990. After 12 additional years of service, he celebrated his second retirement and devoted himself fully to the Lord’s work.

Eugene found immense joy in spending time with family. He hosted countless Bid Whist parties. He was known for his style of winning, but he begrudgingly made the occasional trip to Boston, if you know, you know. He was especially proud of what he called the Tournament of Games. It began in the backyard on the basketball court, moved into the garage to the ping pong table, and ended with a fierce battle on the pool table. If a tie breaker was needed, the championship was settled with arm wrestling. In 1992, Eugene and Marie joined Second Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Donald D. Ford. There, he continued his service as a member of the Male Chorus and leader of the Deacon Board. He was later named an Elder and served as a member of the Finance Committee. Eugene also taught Sunday School alongside his brother in Christ and best friend, Joel English.

Following Marie’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis in 2011, Eugene dedicated himself wholeheartedly to her care. He provided immeasurable grace, unwavering love, and dignity throughout her journey. His loyalty and devotion never wavered. Eugene was both a financial and spiritual mentor to many. He was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, nephew, and cousin. First and foremost, he was a faithful servant of God. On February 24, 2026, surrounded by family, God called His son home.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me.”

2 Timothy 4:7–8

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 48 years, his parents, his cherished brothers Emerson Parker, Stanley Parker, and Dwight Parker, and a special grandchild, Anastacia Marie Timmons.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughters Daphne Timmons of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Stephanie (Ricky) Randle of Olathe, Kansas; his sons Dwayne (Granee) Parker of Kansas City, Missouri, Timothy (Peggy) Parker of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Lance Parker of Denver, Colorado, Lee (Michelle) Timmons of Gardner, Kansas, and Lamont (Micah) Edwards of Raytown, Missouri. He is also survived by his beloved brothers Langston (Ora) Parker I of Grandview, Missouri, and Audry (Sandi) Parker of Fresno, California; one sister, Gwendolyn Lyons of Kansas City, Missouri; sixteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, sister cousins, brother cousins, and that special number one daughter in law, you know who you are.