Dewey Wayne Parker was born October 1st, 1940, in Minden, Louisiana. Wayne was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son and brother. Wayne’s love and light radiated through his marriage with his high-school sweetheart Glenda Lou Fields in 1962. After 63 years of marriage, Wayne is survived by his wife Glenda, daughters Melinda Brasuell (Keith), Judi Humphries (Mark), and son Micheal Parker (Jamie). Wayne is also survived by his grandchildren Erin Clement (Chris), Parker Brasuell (Jessica), Cannon Brasuell (Hannah), Allison Humphries, Mary Grace Humphries, Lexy Daffren (Luc), Isabella Glover (Nick), and Aiden Parker. Wayne’s great-grandchildren include Stevie Jo Brasuell, Eleanor Daffern, Cy Clement, Dewey Brasuell, Sunie Clement, Josie Clement, Tallulah Daffern, Riloh Glover, Beverly Brasuell, and Lola Glover.
Wayne Parker is preceded in death by his son Paul Wayne Parker, parents Dewey Walker Parker and Mary Helen Riley Parker, in-laws Travis Fields and Hibernia Fields, along with sister in-law Marlene Gillis (Jim) and Nedra Parker. Wayne was the beloved brother of Bobby Joe Parker, Carolyn Anderson, and Sherry Logan (Richard).
Wayne was an avid family man, he was constantly sharing his passions of travel, tennis, fishing, duck-hunting, and all things outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Wayne always encouraged his family in their passions, serving as everyone’s biggest cheerleader. His never-ending smile and contagious laugh brought joy to every circumstance, urging others to be the best version of themselves.
Wayne’s love for all things requiring physical activity was apparent while attending Minden High School, pursuing a passion for football and lettering before his graduation. He then went on to further his football career at Louisiana Tech University as a fullback and punter from 1958 to 1962 before graduating in 1962 with a degree in Business Management. While attending Louisiana Tech University, Wayne developed multiple life-long friendships that were cherished until his final days and a deep affection towards Louisiana Tech Athletics.
Wayne’s early employment began at Marvel Box Company in Homer, Louisiana before moving to Shreveport in pursuit of banking management. From Shreveport, Wayne was guided back to his college town of Ruston, Louisiana receiving a job offer at Hunt Lumber Company. While at Hunt Lumber Company, Wayne served as the manager of Hunt’s personal, and company self-insured compensation.
Wayne was a devoted worker throughout his life. In 1973 Hunt Lumber Company merged into Willamette Industries in Portland, Oregon. Wayne then passionately served the company for 39 years, from 1973 to 2012, retiring as Vice President of the Southern Division.
Wayne was not only devoted to his career but was deeply devoted to his love for Christ and serving others. Wayne was a member of the Trinity Methodist Church for over 60 years. His love for the Lord and others carried him to serve on the Methodist Children’s Home Board, Administrative Board, Finance Committee, and Pastor Parish Relations Board. He found so much joy in coaching the Trinity Methodist flag football team, winning the championship game and teaching the Junior High Sunday School Classes. In 2012, Wayne was presented the Robert E. Russ award in Ruston for his outstanding community service. Alongside his service to Trinity Methodist Church, Wayne also dedicated his time as a member of the Lincoln General Hospital Board of Directors and acted as president for several years of the Universities of Louisiana Systems Board.
Wayne died peacefully surrounded by family on January 11, 2025. Wayne’s life was dedicated to sharing his bright light and love for the Lord. He will always be remembered as treating others as he would like others to treat himself. Although he has passed, his legacy continues to inspire those touched by him to spread love, compassion, and his radiating light that will never fade.
The visitation will be held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church from12:00 to 1:00 p.m. followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. There will be a private burial following the service.
Pallbearers include Keith Brasuell, Mark Humphries, Parker Brasuell, Cannon Brasuell, Aiden Parker, and Chris Clement. Honorary Pallbearers include Tom McIntyre, Greg Williams, Bobby Joe Parker, J.V. Jones, Don Tippit, Cecil Sibley, Richard Logan, Bill King, and Billy Jack Talton.
The family would like to thank Barbara Abney, Carol McCarter, Tender Touches, and Premier Hospice for their compassion and love shown to Wayne Parker. Memorials can be made to Trinity Methodist Church in Ruston, Louisiana and Methodist Children’s Home in Ruston, Louisiana.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.
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