James Olan “J.O.” Parker
76, a resident of Farmington, Arkansas, passed away May 24, 2008 at his home near Farmington. He was born May 29, 1931 at Muleshoe, Texas, the son of Ezra Roy and Cordelia McMahan Parker.
J.O. moved with his family from Muleshoe, Texas to Springdale, Arkansas in 1947. He graduated from Springdale High School in 1951. He served in the Korean War with the U.S. Navy. He married Marie Tanner on June 1, 1957, they formed the Parkers Lakeview Ranch which later became PLR Farms of Lincoln, where they raised registered Polled Herefords for more than forty years. He was an IBEW Union electrician. He was a member of the American Hereford Assoc., Arkansas Hereford Assoc., Magnolia Hereford Assoc., Ozark Cattleman's Assoc., Arkansas Cattleman's Assoc.; he served on the NRCS Board of Directors; Master of the Zion Oak Grange for more than forty years. J.O. served several years on the University of Arkansas Agri. Committee. He played an active role in many local 4-H Clubs. J.O. was very adamant about helping kids with their education (especially the 4-H and FFA). He recently endowed scholarships to the University of Arkansas Animal Science Dept. and to the Washington County Fair to support Junior Beef Exhibitors.
He was a member of the Pleasant Street Church of Christ
He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Marie Tanner who died March 23, 2008; One son Douglas Olan Parker; four sisters, Myrtle Netto, Lula Neil, Mabel Griffin, and Lois Taylor.
Survivors include one sister, Hazel Trapp and her husband Loy of Springdale, Arkansas; two brothers, Glen Parker of Johnson, Arkansas, and Leroy Parker and his wife Barbara of Dardanelle, Arkansas; one son Jerry Paul Moyer and his wife Dyanna of Lincoln, Arkansas; two granddaughters, Cheyenne and Caleigh Sue; four nieces and six nephews; and two special loved ones, Amanda Free and James Crider who visited J.O. daily.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove.
Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 28, 2008 - 10:00 A.M. at the Luginbuel Chapel in Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Burial will be in the Zion Cemetery Fayetteville, Arkansas. No graveside services will be held at the cemetery. The family will remain at the Chapel to visit with friends.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Washington County 4-H Foundation - 2536 McConnell Rd. - Fayetteville, AR 72704.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. To sign the online guest book, visit www.luginbuel.com