William "Bill" Parker, Jr. Obituary (1923 - 2018)

William "Bill" Parker, Jr. 94, of Owasso, OK passed away Friday, February 23, after a brief illness. Bill was born August 20, 1923 in Muskogee, Ok to William O. Parker and Katie Strong Parker. At the age of 2 his Mother Katie died after an operation. His Father married Hazel Williams and moved the family to Coffeyville, Kansas when Bill was 6. Bill graduated from Field Kindley Memorial High School. While attending Field Kindley he attained success as a competitive swimmer holding the title of Kansas State Champion in backstroke. Bill married Margaret Lucille Chaney July 26, 1942 in Coffeyville. He attended Coffeyville Junior College but his education was interrupted by World War II with his enlistment into the Army Air Corps in February of 1943. During WWII, he served in the European Theatre of War and fought in both the Naples to Foggia Campaign and the Rome to Arno Campaign in Italy. After the liberation of Rome in 1944, he was chosen to represent his Squadron at an international athletic competition hosted by the U.S. Military and their Allies in Rome, Italy. Upon his return from WWII Bill started his career in Civil Service as a United States Postal Service carrier and clerk. During his career with the USPS Bill mentored many young employees who had successful careers with the Postal Service. Bill was the union representative for the local carriers union and later was Superintendent of Mails, Assistant Post Master and Postmaster at Pittsburg, Kansas. As Postmaster, in 1975 he was interviewed on National TV by CBS News and several large newspapers regarding the USPS failed court action against the then fledgling United Parcel Service. Bill retired in 1977. Being a scratch golfer, Bill and Margaret moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas where they enjoyed their retirement. Last July, Bill and Margaret celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Bill left as survivors, his wife Margaret of Owasso, OK and children, Richard Parker, Bert Parker (Pam) and Jane Parker Keith (Ed) all of Owasso, OK. Memorials may be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1022; contribution may be left with or mailed in care of David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.