Colonel Billie Houston Parker

Billie "Bill" Houston Parker landed to begin his mission on November 1, 1933. He was cleared for his final takeoff, destination heaven, on April 4, 2026. Billie was born to James Houston Parker and Mary Ellen Hamlin Parker in Gladewater, Texas. He was the youngest, having two older sisters, Norma Lee and Marian "Louise." Billie grew up in Seminole, Oklahoma, the hometown always near his heart.

Having natural musical talent, he performed in band, often assisting the director. He also played the piano. Later in life Bill became proficient with the guitar often entertaining friends, family, and other audiences such as at retirement homes. He loved a good jam session. He even recorded a couple of well-loved classical guitar cds.

Billie held various jobs in his younger years: paper route, snow cone delivery by horse-drawn wagon, mixer at the local bakery, radio announcer, and running the projector at the Seminole movie house. As a teenager he made many trips by bicycle to the Seminole airport where his love of planes and flying found wings.

In 1954 Bill entered Aviation Cadet training. In 1955 he earned his wings and was commissioned an officer in the Air Force. During his 31+ years of military service, he flew and trained other pilots in several different planes from the T-29 and T-33 to the C-1 19 and C-47 gunship. But the Lockheed C-130s remained his favorite. During his rise in ranks, Bill served as instructor, chief, inspector, operations staff officer, technician, flight commander, unit commander, and ended his career as a Colonel commanding the 91 9th Special Operations group at Duke Field, Florida. Always answering the call of any need of his beloved country, Bill volunteered his talents flying dangerous missions with close calls in the Vietnam War. He is remembered as a skilled pilot, and for his steady leadership, dedication to service of his country, and lasting impact on those who flew and served with and under him.

Colonel Parker's military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force

Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Award, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Colonel Billie held a CUM LAUDE BS from Troy University and an Associate Degree from San Jacinto College. He was a graduate of Air War College, Air Command and Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Squadron Officers School. Colonel Billie was also proud he attended his hometown Seminole College as well as Oklahoma Baptist University.

Bill loved music and had a song for every occasion often breaking out his grand baritone voice singing for those around. He also liked words, motorcycles, reading, golf, learning, tinkering on machines, restoring autos, woodworking, and Seminole. But most of all, he loved airplanes and flying.

On June 1, 1957 Billie married the love of his life, Jo Anna Maxwell, who was proud of his military career. They had two sons. Billie grew up attending Seminole Church of Christ with his parents and sisters. He remained a man of faith looking forward to his home in heaven one day.

Preceding Billie in death were his parents, his sisters, and his brothers-in-law. He is survived by the wife he cherished, their two sons, a daughter-in-law, one grandson, his sister-in-law, and a whole host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support his great-nephew, Adam Pennington, as he completes ministerial training and preparation for missionary service. Donations for the Sunset International Bible Institute can be made to the SIBI Fund, (note Adam Pennington) at www.shelbygiving.com/App/Form/aa7e0346-8285-459f-abb9-1 d4c3c3f8857

Under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home, a memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma on Saturday, April 1 1, 2026. Open casket visitation the same day will be from 9am-2pm at Swearingen.