Parker, Pasco

Pasco Parker, Lt. Colonel, USAF (Retired)
February 28, 1933 – September 04, 2019

Funeral services for Lt. Col. Pasco Parker, USAF, Ret., 86, of McKinney, Texas, will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Chestnut Community Church with Rev. Rickey Hargrave officiating.  Interment will follow at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Chestnut Community Church, 309 N. Chestnut Street, in McKinney.

Pasco was born on February 28, 1933, in Dialville, Texas, the son of Oliver and Lois Parker.  He attended and graduated from Jacksonville High School where he was active in sports.  His nickname was “Toe” which was bestowed upon him for kicking 42 out of 52 extra points in the fall season of his senior year.  He was an all-state football player, state champion half-miler, and led the Jacksonville mile relay team to a new state record at the state track meet in the spring of 1951.  Upon graduation he was awarded a full scholarship to Baylor University for his exceptional performance in track and football.  Pasco graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Business Administration.  He earned his Master’s in Business Management from Troy State University.

During these years Pasco met a very special young lady, Iris Dacus.  After a brief courtship, the two were married on December 18, 1954 in Golden Acres, Texas.

Upon receiving his commission into the U.S. Air Force in 1955, Pasco honorably served his country for 22 years until his retirement in 1977, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

He served during the Vietnam War and in various duty stations including four tours in Turkey with his family by his side.  He was humbled to be decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Medal, and six Air Medals, as well as other outstanding commendation medals.  During his time of service he spent 18 years as a rescue helicopter pilot, as well as serving as Detachment Commander, Squadron Commander, Deputy Base Commander, and Base Commander.

Settling in North Texas after his military retirement, Pasco began his 15-year career as the Collin County Auditor in McKinney.  He was a past President of the Texas Association of County Auditors.  He especially enjoyed his Mondays in Commissioners Court!

Pasco pursued his love of golf, fishing, and travel alongside his loving wife of over 64 years.  They reflected on the many memories of raising their family, and enjoyed quality time together doing what they loved.

Pasco’s love for Jesus was clearly evident as he continuously shared his faith with others.  He was an ordained deacon, and his church was of utmost importance to him; he considered them a part of his family.  Pasco was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.  He loved them all very much and will forever be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, Dad, and Papa, who had an exceptional work ethic and love for Christ which was his legacy to his family.

Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Iris Parker of McKinney; daughters, Sharon Rowe and husband, John of Aurora, Colorado; Lynn Chapell and husband, Gordon of Tucson, Arizona; Laura McGinnis and husband, Randy of Broomfield, Colorado; and son, Jaakko Johannsen and wife, Nicola of Berlin, Germany; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Huntsman of New Braunfels, Texas; brother, Joe Dan Parker and wife, Mary Ann of Richmond, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tammie Sue Parker; son-in-law, Paul Ballard; as well as his parents and brothers Buddy Parker, Arnold Parker, and Alfred Parker.

Serving as pallbearers will be Pasco Rowe, Jason Rowe, Robert Keith, TJ Williams, Parker Ballard, and Jeremy Parker.  Honorary pallbearers will be Bethany Chapell Frost, Karen Parker Beatty, John Rowe, Maj. Gordon Chapell, USAF, Ret., Randy McGinnis, and Tyler Keill.

Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

September 10, 2019
I am sending all of my sympathy to the entire Parker family, especially to my other half Jeremy Parker, for the loss of a wonderful Uncle. My heart goes out to all of you as you say your farewells for now. These next few days are a day of remembrance. May you be surrounded by happy memories and past moments shared.
All my love
Christie Del Monte

Christie Del Monte, Poughkeepsie, New York

September 08, 2019
Iris, lifting you and your family up in prayer as you go through this time. ?

Robbie Hanson, Zavalla, Texas

September 08, 2019

Jerry Higgins, McKinney, Texas

September 08, 2019
Iris and family, Our hearts are with you as you miss your beloved Pasco. We also rejoice with you that He is free of all Illness and home with His Savior. We love you and pray for you as you adjust to the present life without this godly man who loved the Lord, served his nation and community, touched many lives in such a positive way, and loved his family as only he could. I will miss his smile, his sense of humor, and his joyful attitude about life.
~
Millie Abbott, McKinney, Texas

September 07, 2019
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Sending my thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort to the family.
~
Pam Dugger, McKinney, Texas

September 06, 2019
I was county tax collector when Pasco was county auditor. He was a fine man and will be missed greatly. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
~
Helen Lawson, Princeton, Texas

September 06, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are with you Iris and your sweet family.
~
Vickie Self, Whitewright, Texas

September 06, 2019
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Jim & Ruth McGinnis, Overton, Texas

September 06, 2019
We met Pasco and Iris over 20 years ago and have spent many wonderful times with them and the rest of the Turkey Group. Pasco and my husband Jonas were kindred spirits and kept the rest of our group on our toes. I can only imagine those two with our Lord in heaven. Losing a spouse is devastating and changes your whole life but trust in God through this transition and may he bless and comfort you until we are reunited in his kingdom. Much love Iris to you and family.
~
Elizabeth Knutti, Morgantown, West Virginia

September 05, 2019
I have known Pasco and Iris Parker for 40 plus years, we met while we were stationed together in the Air Force in Turkey. Thru all the years, Pasco has been an inspiration to me and to so many others by sharing his love for his Lord Jesus Christ and for his family.
Pasco will truly be missed by me and so many but his memory will be in our lives forever.
Iris, what a wonderful friend you and Pasco have been to me thru all these years.
My prayers are with you and your dear family.
I love you dearly, Sister!
~
Barbara/Bob Matchett, Conway, Arkansas

September 05, 2019
Pasco was a leader in our church in California. Our hearts are heavy today but know he is welcomed my many friends into heaven. Iris, it is difficult to be alone but God provides. Love you and pray God’s blessings on the family.
~
Lou Farley, Brownwood, Texas

Integrity, Honor, and Respect
Some of the best things cannot be bought, they must be earned

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