More detail on this person: Funeral services for Lt. Col. Pasco Parker, USAF, Ret., 86, of McKinney, Texas, will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at Chestnut Community Church with Rev. Rickey Hargrave officiating. Interment will follow at Pecan Grove Cemetery in McKinney. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, on Tuesday, September 10, 2019, at Chestnut Community Church, 309 N. Chestnut Street, in McKinney. Pasco was born on February 28, 1933, in Dialville, Texas, the son of Oliver and Lois Parker. He attended and graduated from Jacksonville High School where he was active in sports. His nickname was "Toe" which was bestowed upon him for kicking 42 out of 52 extra points in the fall season of his senior year. He was an all-state football player, state champion half-miler, and led the Jacksonville mile relay team to a new state record at the state track meet in the spring of 1951. Upon graduation he was awarded a full scholarship to Baylor University for his exceptional performance in track and football. Pasco graduated from Baylor with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He earned his Master's in Business Management from Troy State University. During these years Pasco met a very special young lady, Iris Dacus. After a brief courtship, the two were married on December 18, 1954 in Golden Acres, Texas. Upon receiving his commission into the U.S. Air Force in 1955, Pasco honorably served his country for 22 years until his retirement in 1977, obtaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He served during the Vietnam War and in various duty stations including four tours in Turkey with his family by his side. He was humbled to be decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Medal, and six Air Medals, as well as other outstanding commendation medals. During his time of service he spent 18 years as a rescue helicopter pilot, as well as serving as Detachment Commander, Squadron Commander, Deputy Base Commander, and Base Commander. Settling in North Texas after his military retirement, Pasco began his 15-year career as the Collin County Auditor in McKinney. He was a past President of the Texas Association of County Auditors. He especially enjoyed his Mondays in Commissioners Court! Pasco pursued his love of golf, fishing, and travel alongside his loving wife of over 64 years. They reflected on the many memories of raising their family, and enjoyed quality time together doing what they loved. Pasco's love for Jesus was clearly evident as he continuously shared his faith with others. He was an ordained deacon, and his church was of utmost importance to him; he considered them a part of his family. Pasco was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. He loved them all very much and will forever be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, Dad, and Papa, who had an exceptional work ethic and love for Christ which was his legacy to his family. Mr. Parker is survived by his wife of 64 ½ years, Iris Parker of McKinney; daughters, Sharon Rowe and husband, John of Aurora, Colorado; Lynn Chapell and husband, Gordon of Tucson, Arizona; Laura McGinnis and husband, Randy of Broomfield, Colorado; and son, Jaakko Johannsen and wife, Nicola of Berlin, Germany; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Christine Huntsman of New Braunfels, Texas; brother, Joe Dan Parker and wife, Mary Ann of Richmond, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his daughter, Tammie Sue Parker; son-in-law, Paul Ballard; as well as his parents and brothers Buddy Parker, Arnold Parker, and Alfred Parker. Serving as pallbearers will be Pasco Rowe, Jason Rowe, Robert Keith, TJ Williams, Parker Ballard, and Jeremy Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be Bethany Chapell Frost, Karen Parker Beatty, John Rowe, Maj. Gordon Chapell, USAF, Ret., Randy McGinnis, and Tyler Keill. Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.
Burial information: Pecan Grove Cemetery, McKinney, TX
This information was last updated 09/15/2019
Please send additions or corrections to: HQ@vhpa.org VHPA Headquarters
Return to the Helicopter Pilot DAT name list
Return to VHPA web site
Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
Copyright © 1998 - 2024 Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association