Captain Harold Lloyd Parker
Captain "Hal" Parker died at his home June 1, 2009 one month before his 95th birthday. He quietly loved his family and friends, and is remembered as a good man. His intelligence and practical advice was a gift to us all. He remains to us, a symbol of our heritage and what is right in the world. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
A native of Porterville, he was born July 3, 1914 to Ernest Ray Parker and Bertha Mary Lueck Parker. He attended Porterville schools graduating from Porterville High School in 1932 and Porterville Community College in 1934 after which he joined the CCC, Civilian Conservation Corp. In 1935 he became joint owner of a local gas station. In 1936 he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service and had the honor of issuing the first Social Security Numbers for California.
In 1940 Hal became a Private Pilot for a local businessman. He began his life's career when he learned Pan American World Airways needed pilots.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Grace in 1974 and his daughter Kathleen Parker Kessler in 1996.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of Sequim, WA; daughter Wendy P. Cooper (husband Peter) and grandchildren Madison and Tucker Cooper of Snohomish, WA; daughter Sharon L. Jones (husband Tom) of Bend, OR; and son-in-law Richard Kessler (husband of the late Kathleen Parker Kessler) of Atlanta, CA and granddaughter Grace E. Kessler of San Francisco, CA
At his request there was no formal service. On July 3, 2009 his family and many friends gathered at their home in Sequim to celebrate his 95th birthday with a Celebration of Life. As daylight faded a formation of 6 aircraft performed the Missing Man Flyover in Hal's honor. We know Captain Hal saw the tribute and would be very proud.
Those wishing to remember Hal can contribute to a charity of their choice or to Emory University School of Law for the benefit of the Kessler/Eidson Endowment Scholarship Fund. Checks can be made payable to Emory University School of Law with reference to the Kessler/Eidson Endowment Scholarship Fund, Emory University School of Law, 1300 Clifton Rd., Atlanta, GA 30329.
