Edwin Lewis (Pal) Parker III

Published 6:00 am Monday, April 1, 2013

    Services for Edwin Lewis (Pal) Parker III will be held today at 3 p.m. at Inverness United Methodist Church Following the funeral service, burial was at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Inverness. Burton Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

    Mr. Parker died on Good Friday, March 29, 2013, at South Sunflower Hospital in Indianola, following an extended illness. He was born on March 5, 1929, in Inverness to Rosalie and Edwin Lewis Parker Jr.

    Mr. Parker was reared and educated in Inverness Public Schools. He graduated from Chamberlain-Hunt Military Academy in Port Gibson, and attended Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala. He graduated from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, Ark.

    Mr. Parker enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1950. Initially trained in diesel engines, he had the opportunity to enter pilot training and then served as an Air Force pilot for 15 years. Pal retired from the service with the rank of major in 1970.  

    Having flown missions all over the world, he moved his family “back home” to Inverness to allow his three sons to grow up as he had done. Pal loved Inverness. He farmed with his father-in-law, Frank T. Brumfield, and brother-in-law, Bruce J. Brumfield. Many Air Force friends were amazed at his transition from a jet airplane to a “pick-up” truck.

    Mr. Parker was a member of Inverness United Methodist Church, the Inverness Rotary Club, Delta Council, the local library board and a “home built” small airplane group in Lebanon, Ill. The Parkers lived in Illinois when Pal was stationed at Scott Air Force Base.  During that time, Pal bought an airplane, took it apart in his garage and put it back together. He later flew that plane home to Inverness.

    Survivors include his wife, Maggie Brumfield Parker, his playmate since age 4; three sons, Ed Parker (Pam) of Tuscaloosa, Ala., Frank Parker of Gautier and Will Parker (Paige) of Meridian; four grandchildren, Julia Parker, Caroline Parker, Pal Parker and Morgan Parsons; a brother, William Parker (Marie) of Inverness; and many nieces and nephews. A special nephew, Joe “Bubba” Lee, R.N., has been his nurse and caretaker for many doctor visits, and a special friend to calm anxieties and ills.  

    He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved grandmother, Mamaw Ross; and two sisters, Kaddie Lee and Lady Jane Price.  

    The family thanks the sitters who have been dedicated to Mr. Parker’s care the past two years.

    Memorials may be made to Inverness United Methodist Church or a charity of choice.

    Visitation will be held prior to services at the church.