VERNON OLEN PARKER JR.,

73, of Jacksonville passed away on August 19, 2021. He was born March 3, 1948, in El Dorado, Ark., to the late Jewell Dean (Birchfield) and Vernon Olen Parker Sr. In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his wives, Nancy Hunter Parker and Connie Joe Parker; and his sister, Johnnie Anderson.

Vernon Olen may have been born in El Dorado, but most of his fondest memories come from growing up in Smackover, Ark. There is a special place in his heart for his Smackover years. After graduating from there, he joined the Air Force which it took him on many adventures. Vern retired from the Air Force in 1988 and worked as an aircraft electrician for Lockheed Martin for many years. He has been working at the Base Commissary for the last few years and loved being around people. He had many loves and hobbies in his life but his greatest times were spent playing sports and watching his grandchildren play as they grew up.

Vern was an avid golfer and was a dedicated baseball fan, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and his grandsons’ baseball teams. He was a great friend to all and a wonderful father, grandfather and father-in-law. He will be sorely missed.

Vernon is survived by his children, Stephanie (John) Moody, Scott (Mindy) Parker, and Eddie Fletcher; sister, Verna Dean Williams; beloved grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Jacksonville. A visitation will be the evening prior, 5-7 p.m., Monday, August 23, 2021, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Vernon will be laid to rest at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery 9 a.m., Wednesday, August 25, 2021. Arrangements by Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home, (501) 982-2136.