Wheeler Parker, Ii

Wheeler Parker II was born July 18, 1949, in Porter, Oklahoma from the union of John Elmer and Alveron (Simmons) Parker. The family included four sisters, Joann, Yvonne (Eenid), Ramona and Maurita; and one brother, Columbus.  Wheeler’s parents were farmers.  He learned at a very early age how to operate a tractor by watching his mother operate one while sitting beside her.  By the age of 8, he would drive one tractor while his brother Columbus would drive the other tractor.

Wheeler received his education at Tullahassee Public Schools.  He finished his last 3 years and graduated from Porter High School.  Wheeler accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age, and joined Mt. Bethel Baptist Church in Porter, Oklahoma.  He was baptized in the farm pond across the street from the church.  He served as Sunday School Superintendent for many years as well as the church van driver.

After graduating high school, Wheeler joined the Army.  After 6 months of training on helicopters, he went to Vietnam where he served 2 years as Sergeant in Charge of unscheduled maintenance and aircraft recovery of helicopters that were shot down.  After discharging from the Army, he went to Spartan School of Aeronautics where he received his Aircraft Mechanic’s License.  He worked for the Oklahoma Army National Guard and later was employed at American Airlines in Tulsa, Oklahoma where he was known as “WP”, and his famous saying was, “I believe the old dog will hunt.”

Wheeler loved to play competitive softball.  He led every team he ever played on in home runs.  He was an avid quail hunter.  He and his best ever bird dog, “Lady” loved to hunt quail with his brother Columbus, and his hunting friends George, Walter and Anthony. He loved to go camping at the lake where he enjoyed boat riding as well as riding his old jet skis while standing on his head.  He loved to grill Sharon’s well-seasoned hamburgers.  He loved relaxing by the campfire with family and friends.

On September 26, 1992, Wheeler married Rosalind A Higgins.  To this union he was blessed with three step-daughters; Crystal, Heather and Alana; and two sons, Wheeler III, and Phillip Parker.  After battling cancer for 10 years and having 21 surgeries, Rosalind passed away September 30, 2004, leaving Wheeler to raise his two young sons.  On June 11, 2011, Wheeler married Sharon L. Atkins Crenshaw.  Wheeler always said I’ve been so very blessed to have had two wonderful marriages.

Wheeler was preceded in death by his parents and his older sister Joann.  He leaves in God’s care to cherish his precious memory his beautiful loving wife Sharon, his step-daughter’s; Crystal, Heather and Alana; his two sons, Wheeler III and Phillip; and two step-sons, Clifford “Moe” and Courtney Crenshaw, and a host of loving relatives, extended family, friends and his ten (10) wonderful grandchildren.