Charles Wayne Parker

We celebrate the life of Charles W. Parker, born March 29, 1936, and went on to occupy his heavenly home with Jesus on December 20, 2020. His life was certainly "a work in progress", as some would say, and he will be sorely missed among so many. Charles was born in Mt. Pleasant, Texas and then later moved to Princeton, Louisiana. He graduated High School at "Haughton U" as he described it, and then went on to work in the oil fields of Bossier Parish. Before moving up the ladder of the oil field industry, his wonderful and close "Uncle Sam" sent him a mandatory invitation to join him in service to his country. Charles gladly accepted the invitation and did his tour of duty for 2 years. That tour took a country boy to places he had never been before, to see things he had never seen before. One stop was in Germany where he was introduced to the native food of bratwurst sausage and sauerkraut! He brought that recipe home to America to enjoy for years to come. After his 2 years of service, "Uncle Sam" asked Charles to stay on for a while, to which he replied, "No thank you Sir, I'll take my Good Conduct medal and my Honorable Discharge and go back to work in the oil field." Charles enjoyed a career in the oil field that spanned 20+ years. His last years were spent on a rig off the shores of Louisiana and it was there he sustained a career ending injury to his back. Even with the injury, Charles was known for his hard work ethics and he took on several jobs in the Mansfield area during his retirement years. Charles always wanted to help others with any project they had because he had a mindset that if it was broke, he could fix it! He certainly was a "do it yourself" kind of man. Three things about Charles that his friends could tell you, he loved the Lord, his family, and duck hunting. Charles believed what the Bible said about being a good and faithful servant. His church attendance was steadfast and his service to his Lord and his family was so important. Sometimes Charles would get the order of priorities mixed up, but his foundation was sure, and he always returned to the straight and narrow. Church, family, and duck hunting kept Charles active. When it came to church, every Pastor he had could depend on his faithful support to advance the Kingdom of God. Those Pastors could also depend on a hearty "Amen" when the message hit home. The ladies of the church also knew "Bro. Charles" would eventually make his way to them to show them the "Love of the Lord!" All that huggin and kissin may have raised some eyebrows, but the love of his life, "Ms. Gloria" would always squelch any doubt when she'd smile and say, "he's coming home with me!" His family knew that Charles was a faithful man, a man of his word, and he could be counted on whenever a need arose. He was firm. He was true. He provided for his family all they needed to grow into better adults. Charles was not one to complain, unless the ducks didn't fly, and getting mad or fussing, was not a part of his character...unless he missed a big mallard green head right over the decoys! Charles lived and enjoyed the life God gave him and he gave God all the glory for his days on earth. Charles will be greatly missed, and the memories will be cherished until we meet again in the neighborhood God has built for all who call upon the name of Jesus! Preceding Charles in death are his parents; Ovid and Virginia Parker; brothers, Ricky and Ovid Melvin, Jr.; sisters, Shelby Jean and Melva Lee. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gloria Parker; son, Troy Parker and wife Tina; daughter, Denise; sister, Connie; grandchildren, Tarah and husband Nick, Ethan, Kyle and wife Katie, and Meagan; great-grandchildren, Jaycee and Dylan. A visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home in Mansfield, Louisiana on Monday, January 11, 2021 beginning at 3:00 p.m. with a memorial service honoring his life to follow at 4:00 p.m.