FAYETTEVILLE — Wendell Holmes Parker,

age 91, of Fayetteville. Born 4 March 1931; Died 27 January 2023.

Survived by wife, Joan Crippen Parker; children, Paul Parker and wife Debbie, Shaune Parker Colwell and Jay Johnson, Scott Parker and Tonya Bilderback, Craig Parker and wife Becky, Nicole Randall and husband Scott, Kirk Parker and wife Melissa; and brothers, Wayne and Wylie Parker. Wendell also has seven grandchildren and two great- grandchildren. Wendell was preceded in death by children Andrea and Preston Parker; parents Paul and Sylvia Parker; and brother Weston Parker.

Wendell and Joan only had a short 71 years together. Wendell was unsurpassed in his love and commitment to Joan and their life together. As a young man he received a degree in English Literature and played football for North Central University in Illinois. Wendell was a fine musician, classically trained. He led his band, Dell and the Notes, for several years. Later Wendell and his family embarked on the great adventure of their lives – starting a family farm in Arkansas. He also taught high school in Omaha, Ark., and Lead Hill, Ark. Later he was a regional Sales Manager for Morton Salt. And his final career was serving the community as a Child Protective Services officer with DHS. Wendell was a lifelong reader and sports enthusiast.

Wendell Parker will most be remembered as a kind and gentle man who loved his wife, his family and their family farm at Lead Hill, Ark. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association at 11300 N. Rodney Parham Rd, Suite 200, Little Rock, Ark., 72212, or online at https://www.alz.org/arkansas?form=alz_donate.

Good night sweet prince.