May 26, 1928 – Oct. 8, 2011

NATCHEZ — Joseph W. Parker Jr., 83, of Natchez, died peacefully Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, surrounded by his family at University Medical Center in Jackson following a brief illness.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Episcopal Church with the Rev. Walton Jones officiating.

Burial will follow at the Natchez City Cemetery under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. today and from 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday, both at the church.

Joe was born May 26, 1928, in Natchez, the son of Joseph W. Parker Sr. and Mildred Kaiser Parker. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in forestry. He was also a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and was a Life Loyal Sig.

He married Kit Rose of Leland in 1955, and was the proud father of four children. Joe enjoyed a career of farming and timber management in Adams County and served on the ASCS committee and the Mississippi River Flood Management Board.

Mr. Parker was a member of the Natchez Rotary Club and served as its president and was a Paul Harris Rotary Fellow. He served on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and was chairman of the board of Trinity Episcopal School. He was also president of the Natchez Swim Team. He treasured his membership in the Santa Claus Committee and was honored to be its Santa Claus in 1969. He was a founding member of the Pandella Hunting Club and an avid LSU Tigers fan.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Kimberly Parker Wolverton and her husband, Gary.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Kit; three children, Karen Rosalez and husband, Arthur, of Dallas, Wheeler Parker and husband, Ashley, of Madison and Katie Aiken and husband, Hank, of Jackson; one sister, Mildred Mallerich of New Orleans; one sister-in-law, Ann Rose of Duncanville, Texas; two nieces, Sandy Carpenter and husband, Will, of Jacksonville, Fla., and Jennifer Keener of Dallas; three nephews, Emory Rose of Jackson and Mark and Stephen Mallerich; and eight grandsons, Preston and Spencer Rogers of Lubbock, Texas, Parker, Will and Matthew Aiken of Jackson and Austin, Peyton and Brooks Parker of Madison.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trinity Episcopal School, One Mallan Morgan Drive, Natchez, MS 39120 or Trinity Episcopal Church, 305 S. Commerce St., Natchez, MS 39120.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.