Earl Caiaphas Parker Jr.

Earl C. Parker Jr. lived a life devoted to family, education, athletics, and service to others. Born in 1934, to Earl Caiaphas Parker and Myrtie Parker, Earl graduated from Madisonville High School in 1951, served in the United States Army from 1954 to 1956, and graduated from Texas Tech University in 1959. He later earned his master's degree in education and continued his studies throughout his career.

Earl dedicated his life to education, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and school administrator in several Texas communities. A passionate baseball and football coach, he mentored generations of students and athletes, teaching the importance of discipline, teamwork, and character. His leadership extended beyond the classroom through numerous educational, athletic, and civic organizations, where he served in several presidential and leadership roles.

Above all, Earl cherished his family and shared more than sixty-three years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jo Ann Baugh Parker. He will be remembered for his dedication, wisdom, leadership, and the countless lives he influenced throughout his remarkable life.

Earl's legacy lives on through his family, former students, athletes, colleagues, and friends. He leaves behind a lasting example of service, integrity, and the importance of making a difference without seeking recognition.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Caiaphas Parker and Myrtie (Etheridge) Parker; sisters, Margaret Touchstone, Dorothy Graham, Janie Price and Ruth Ann Goddard along with each of their husbands of more than fifty years; nephews, Owen Kornegay and Wayne Graham; niece, Melanie Price; father-in-law, Clarence E Baugh; mother-in-law, Ruby Baugh and brothers-in-law, Douglas Baugh and Vernon Baugh.

Those left to cherish Earl’s memory are his wife Jo Ann (Baugh) Parker; brother, James Parker; sister, Mary Ethel Butler and numerous other extended family and loving friends.

A funeral service honoring Earl and his life of service, officiated by Joel Douget, will be held at Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 10 A.M. followed by burial in the Mt. Tabor Cemetery. Visitation will take place the evening before on Monday, November 2, 2026, from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M., also at the funeral home.

Earl’s life made a difference, and his legacy will live on in all who knew and loved him.

Final arrangements for Earl C. Parker Jr. are under the compassionate care and direction of Madisonville Funeral Home, Madisonville, Texas -- A Walters Family Funeral Home.