- The odds of an average golfer making a hole in one is estimated to be 12,500 to 1. The odds of God creating a soul as wise, compassionate, and good-humored as John T. Parker are a million to one. On May 8, 2020, “Uncle P” joined his fellow angels for his first of many tee times in heaven.
John T. Parker (94) of Collinsville, Illinois, known as “Uncle P” to many, was born on May 16, 1925, in Chicago, Illinois. A self-driven man with an unending thirst for knowledge, John graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in electrical engineering, working a paper route to help put himself through school. He worked as a communication and signal engineer for Alton and Southern Railroad and a transportation account executive for Motorola Communications and Electronics before becoming President of Wise Communications, where he created the subsidiary Rapid Commuinication Sales, serving as its President, and was the recipient of the Boss of the Year Award from the Belleville Professional Women’s Club. John also served his country proudly in both the South Pacific U.S. Coast Guard during World War II and the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War specializing in radar training and teaching electronics. John participated in the Honor Flight program recognizing his service to his country and encouraged every veteran to participate in that memorable experience.
John’s lifetime of professional success was paralleled only by his exceptional commitment to service. John was a member of the Greater St. Louis Radio Interference Committee, where he served as treasurer. He belonged to the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association at Scott Air Force Base. He served as president of the Illinois Businessmen’s Club, as well as president of Dale Carnegie Salesman’s Class. He was a member of the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers and the Chamber of Commerce. John also served as the president, treasurer, secretary, and Paul Harris fellow for the East St. Louis Rotary Club (now St. Clair County West Rotary). He was a proud member of the Gothic Lodge #852 A.F. & A.M., Scottish Rite Bodies, Ainad Shrine, Legion of Honor, Southern Illinois Court #86 ROJ, and Past Patron Queen City Chapter #697 O.E.S. John was also a member of the Collinsville Historical Museum. John volunteered as a scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America (Troop #5) and was an accomplished Eagle Scout himself. John was also a lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 262.
In addition to his professional career and lifetime of service, Uncle P was the loyal, loving partner of his wife, Pat, for over seven decades, as well as the beloved patriarch of an extended family of nieces, nephews, and dear family friends. From annual Alvarez family golfing tournaments to game night sleepovers with first nieces and nephews and then great-nieces and great-nephews, from providing sound life advice and wise counsel to discussing the ins and outs of investing (a favorite pastime), Uncle P loved each family member as if he or she were one of his own children.
But his true devotion was bringing joy, companionship, and unending love to his wife, Pat. Forever a duo –Uncle P and Aunt Pat– their lifetime together was decorated by memorable trips all over the United States, cherished family gatherings on holidays and birthdays, weekend excursions to malls and bingo halls, and more. Wherever one traveled, the other was never far behind. Indeed, if Pat was his greatest jewel, then John T. Parker was her gold band, keeping her safe, ever more beautiful because they were together.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis P. Parker, Sr., and Bertha A. (Bilderbeck) Parker; his brother, Ellis P. Parker, Jr.; his father- and mother-in-law, Jose M. Alvarez, Sr., and Maria (Rodriguez) Alvarez; his sister-in-law, Shirley M. (Harris) Alvarez; his brothers-in-law, Jose Alvarez, Jr., James Alvarez, Sr., Angelo Alvarez, Sr., Eugene Alvarez; and nephew Terry Alvarez.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 72 years, Priscilla “Pat” L. Parker (nee Alvarez). They were married at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in East St. Louis, Illinois, on August 9, 1947. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Shirley R. Alvarez (Robert Mohrman) of Smithton and Joyce Alvarez of Collinsville; his dearly loved nieces and their spouses, Sherry (Jim) Alvarez Mourey, Sr., Laura Alvarez, Lynne (Jon) Alvarez Grindstaff, Pamela (Donald) Alvarez Wilhold; and his dearly loved nephews and their spouses, Jose M. Alvarez, III, Anthony J. (Donna) Alvarez, Sr., James E. (Judy) Alvarez, Jr., Robert C. (Patty) Alvarez, Michael J. (Karen) Alvarez, Angelo A. (Mary) Alvarez, Jr., and Eric J. (Teresa) Alvarez; and many loving and adored great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and extended nieces and nephews, as well as two special cousins, Joe Artime and family and Marylee Kicielinski and family. He is also survived by his goddaughters, Sharon Medeiros and Pamela Drescher.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children – St. Louis, Heartland Hospice, or donor’s choice.
Services: Private family entombment at Lakeview Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL. A celebration of John’s life will take place for friends and family when it is safe for loved ones to congregate. Kurrus Funeral Home in charge of local arrangements.
17 Comments To "John T. Parker"
#1 Comment By Judy Alvarez On May 9, 2020 @ 1:48 pm
It was an honor to know you. Forever in our hearts.
#2 Comment By Patti Michaels On May 9, 2020 @ 4:29 pm
My condolences to Aunt Pat and all of the Parker and Alvarez family. Knowing Uncle P was a privilege, a man with so much honor, a brilliant constitutionalist and the person you would want to sit next to at family gatherings. Rest In Peace Uncle P and watch over your family they will surely need you.
#3 Comment By Kimberly Mourey-O’Neill On May 10, 2020 @ 1:03 am
“You may be gone from my sight, but you are never gone from my heart.” Heaven gained another angel. Our one and only “Uncle P.” was one of the wisest, wittiest, and most loving individuals that God ever created. The love that he and my Aunt Pat had for each other was the epitome of a true love story. I am honored that my little girl, Emerson Parker, will carry on his last name. He will remain in our hearts forever.? We Love You, Aunt Pat & Uncle P.!
#4 Comment By Alan Brainerd On May 10, 2020 @ 7:07 am
Uncle John was my father Al Brainerd’s best friend until his death on January 28, 1976. I have fond memories of their story telling and laughter….I’m sure Daddy, Uncle John, George C Scott and Chris are once again playing 18 holes together In heaven as they did in Hawaii in 1973. May he continue to watch over Aunt Pat and his family.
#5 Comment By Ken Hagarty Sr. On May 10, 2020 @ 8:08 am
My condolences to the entire family. It was a privilege to know such a Great Man in Uncle P. I knew Uncle P and Aunt Pat we’re very special people the first time I had met them. May GOD lift him into his eternal home and watch over Pat and the entire family during this very difficult time for them.
#6 Comment By Jim Mourey, Jr. On May 10, 2020 @ 9:41 am
Some people set the example for how we should all strive to live our lives, and Uncle P exemplified all the very best qualities in a great person: ambition, humility, kindness, wisdom, love, care, humor, support, and family. The lessons he taught us will keep him alive in our hearts and minds as we strive to be the best we can be thanks to his wonderful example. Much love and support to the entire family and so many of his friends, and especially to Aunt Pat, who will forever be Uncle P’s most beloved.
#7 Comment By Cora and James (Doody) Holt On May 10, 2020 @ 6:20 pm
Our condolences to the Parker and Alvarez families. Uncle P always treated us like family no matter the occasion. We loved him dearly and will not forget that big smile and sparkle in his eyes. He was a true gentleman and Heaven will welcome him with open arms. Rest in peace dear sweet Uncle P.
#8 Comment By Virginia Hunter-Stevenson On May 10, 2020 @ 7:54 pm
I have no words to truly express my sorrow. I am thankful to have known John. I will miss his hugs and conversation. Seeing him and Pat together was always pure joy. An amazing couple, who always brightened the lives of everyone they meet. It gives comfort to know he will always be Pat’s guardian angel. Peace be with you.
#9 Comment By Kelly Wright On May 11, 2020 @ 1:13 am
We knew this was coming, but knowing doesn’t make it easier. In addition to his silly jokes he told us when we were kids, his use of words like “caddywompus,” and his love of golf, I’m going to miss how he genuinely loved us all like we were his own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treated everyone with respect and kindness, but he also told you like it was in his own, Uncle P way, especially when you played golf with him…even during a fun family golf outing. I’m so grateful for the time we had with him, and that Caleb and Cooper were able to know him and have their own memories. I wish he could’ve met Colby, and I can hear him tell me how he’s such a “pretty baby” and that I did a good job, but I know that he’s joined Colby’s other guardian angels and he’ll be watching over him, too.
#10 Comment By Dennis & Anne Whiteside On May 11, 2020 @ 11:11 am
Our most sincere condolences to Pat and her family for John’s passing. We are struggling to find the words to express our grief. John meant so much to us! John and my Dad were the two men I most admired and respected in this world. My Dad affectionately called John his “little brother”. They are together now. John was my role model, boss, friend, mentor and counselor in life. He taught honesty and integrity and lived it every day. God Bless John & Pat! We love them.
Dennis & Anne Whiteside
#11 Comment By Tikki Berry On May 11, 2020 @ 11:50 am
My heart is truly heavy to know that Mr. Parker has passed. However, It was a blessing to know and care for you. I enjoyed seeing the “LOVE & CLOSENESS” shared between both you and Mrs. Parker. It always bought a smile to my spirit. My husband, Kenji and mother, Beverly send our prayers and thoughts of comfort to Mrs. Parker and the rest of the family. Love you.
#12 Comment By Abbey Croissant On May 11, 2020 @ 3:47 pm
Indeed what a beautiful soul was created in John. Mr. & Mrs. Parker, I feel are extended family through the fraternal organizations; meeting them initially, by way of Eastern Star and my parents. We will miss the twinkle in his eye and the broad smile he always carried. May he rest in peace and may all who knew and loved him be sustained by beautiful memories.
#13 Comment By Alan Whiteside On May 11, 2020 @ 5:56 pm
Our condolence to Pat Parker and to the Alvarez family for the passing of
John Parker.
John was a great person he always had a smile and a grin and was the nicest person he will be deeply missed by all.
Pat & John were very close friends of my mother & father and to us kids.
I remember we would go over too their house from time to time they were always very nice.
My brother Dennis worked for John at Rapid Communications for a few years and I stopped by there to visit my brother a couple of times and would always see John there also he would always have a nice smile.
Pat & John was the perfect couple.
God bless John Parker! ?
#14 Comment By Nancy Whitehead On May 11, 2020 @ 10:46 pm
Uncle P was one of a kind… He was a gentle, kind, caring and loving man. He will be missed by everyone that ever knew him. He touched everyone’s life that he came in contact with and helped so many people during his life. Aunt Pat was the love of his life as he was hers and they were best friends. My heart breaks but I know he is laughing and dancing and having a great time with God in heaven and he will be there when we all get there one day. My thoughts and my prayers are for peace and comfort for Aunt Pat and all the family and friends that knew him.
#15 Comment By Julie Llamas On May 12, 2020 @ 11:07 am
Deepest sympathy from Joe and Julie(Llamas) Hubbard
#16 Comment By kate sonnenberg gavin On May 14, 2020 @ 8:19 am
My deepest sympathy to you Mrs. Parker. Mr. Parker was a wonderful person. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
#17 Comment By Pam Drescher On June 4, 2020 @ 9:37 am
My godfather John Parker was one of a kind, loving, caring and generous. He will be missed, but in our hearts and thoughts forever.