John D. Parker of Lufkin known as a passionate advocate for parks, wildlife

AUSTIN — Texas Parks and Wildlife Commissioner John D. Parker died Monday afternoon at his Lufkin home, leaving a legacy of passionate advocacy for the wildlife, parks, woods and waters he loved. The cause of Parker's death has not been determined. He was 73.

Gov. Rick Perry appointed Parker to the commission in November 2003. The former homebuilder and past director of the National Association of Builders was also a past national trustee and past state chairman of Ducks Unlimited, among many other affiliations.

"John Parker was well known for his passion, eloquence, and the courage of his convictions," said Peter Holt of San Antonio, Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission chairman. "His passing is a great loss."

Parker was a champion of youth outreach programs, and he consistently pushed efforts to expand youth hunting opportunities and provide settings and incentives for young Texans to experience nature and the outdoors.

Parker loved fishing as well and supported a successful campaign to bring a new freshwater fish hatchery to East Texas, a facility now under construction near Jasper.

He was a stalwart advocate for state parks and spoke passionately of the need for increased state funding for parks in 2006 at a time when awareness of park system needs was just beginning to build.

He wrote an editorial for the Cherokeean Herald on Oct. 27, 2007, urging voters to approve Proposition 4, which would provide $52 million to renovate Texas parks.

Family visitation is 6-8 p.m. Friday at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin, 1515 S. Chestnut.

The funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday at Denman Baptist Church in Lufkin, 1807 E. Denman St.

Information from The Cherokeean Herald