CONFIRMED: Weldon Wayne Parker Jr., Veteran, US Navy, Vietnam (159-24) 8 Aug 24
3401 Cherry Ridge Dr
San Antonio, TX 78230
USA
US NAVY VETERAN – VIETNAM WAR
The family of Mr. Weldon Wayne Parker Jr., a US Navy Veteran, requests the presence and participation of the San Antonio Patriot Guard at the services and LEO supported procession, and graveside rendering of military honors of their loved one. We are honored to accept this invitation.
Weldon Wayne Parker Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on July 21, 2024.
Weldon was born in Fort Worth, TX in 1950, and moved to San Antonio with his family at the age of 4. Throughout the years, he and his siblings were well known throughout the neighborhood. Weldon graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in 1968.
Weldon joined the Navy in 1969 and served honorably for 4 years. Most of his service was spent on the USS Biddle as a sonar technician. He was able to sail all over the world during the Vietnam War and was proud of his service including the Battle at Piraz, where his ship was attacked and was able to fend off enemy aircraft.
After returning from the Navy, Weldon began working at City Public Service (CPS) in 1973. There he served in the engineering department as a Control Specialist, and later as a Project Administrator for 34 years, working on various projects within the local power plants. Upon retirement, Weldon served many more years as a consultant to CPS.
Weldon married Karen King, his “heart and soul” in 1974. Weldon and Karen always had a strong sense of family, spending weekends with various family members. This continued with their 3 children, always going on camping trips, hiking, biking, bowling, and tennis. One of the most treasured activities was the annual summer trips down to the coast which continue today and have grown with family and friends.
In 2008, Weldon took on one of his most cherished roles yet, as Pop Pop. He loved his grandchildren immensely, always attending every school program, sporting event, and dusting off years of collected magic tricks to share with his family. Weldon loved to just be simply surrounded by his family and listening to all the simultaneous conversations and joy happening around him.
Within the last year, Weldon had become passionate in volunteering with the American Cancer Society to provide rides to and from appointments and treatments for those patients that did not have transportation. He enjoyed helping, as well as the conversations he had during the dozens of rides he gave.
Weldon was preceded in death by his parents, Weldon Parker Sr. and Margie Dietzel; nephew, Matthew Parker; brother, Jimmy Parker; parents-in-law, Manks and Louanne King; brother-in-law, Earl King.
Weldon is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Karen Parker; sons, Russell (Diane) Parker and Ryan Parker; daughter, Kristina (Ricky) Segovia; grandchildren, Nicholas, Audrey, Ethan, Elliott, Emma and Savannah; sister, Peggy; brothers, Bruce, Charles and Douglas; sister-in-law, Sandra King, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Weldon’s unwavering love for family and booming laugh will be greatly missed.
WEATHER: Hi 100 / Lo 78, 0 % Chance of Rain, 84 % Humidity, Wind: 3 mph SSE
REQUESTOR: Russell Parker, Son
STAGING: 8:30 am, Thursday, August 8, 2024
Mission Park Funeral Chapels (North)
3401 Cherry Ridge Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78230
https://goo.gl/maps/ PXSedUNBL8M2
BRIEFING: 8:45 am
SERVICE: 9:30 am
Mission Park Funeral Chapels (North)
3401 Cherry Ridge Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78230
https://goo.gl/maps/ PXSedUNBL8M2
KSU: 10:30 am (Semper Gumby)
INTERMENT: 11:15 am – Shelter #3 (Call to Verify)
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
https://goo.gl/maps/kQ68VALuUAptXpgS9
RC: Juan “Doc” Sanguino
sanguino5366@gmail.com
FC: Rich “Richie Rich” Pachecano
rich@pachecano.net
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Iron horses if you can, cages are always welcome and appreciated and unless under special circumstances not allowed in processions. You do not have to have a motorcycle to participate in honoring our veterans.
2. Safety First: Please remember to properly hydrate (including the night before) before any outdoor activity and to dress appropriately. Do not hesitate to take a break at any time if you feel you need to get in the shade or get indoors and always ask for help at any time. Also please do not forget your sun screen.
3. Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and. NO TALKING, SMOKING, CHEWING OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS, OR CELL PHONE USE IN THE FLAG LINE!
***Safety Notice***
Before volunteering and/or attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders missions we encourage you to review all safety information below. Included are some potential safety concerns to be aware of, however this does not include the full scope of all potential hazards. Anyone attending any San Antonio Patriot Guard Riders mission understands that they do so at their own risk. Neither the Patriot Guard Riders Organization nor its representatives are liable for any damages incurred on any PGR mission or event.
Funeral Processions/Escorts
EVERY RIDER IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for their own safety at all times while riding in a funeral procession.
At NO TIME are any riders authorized to block any intersection or otherwise block or impede traffic laws in any way. Only Law Enforcement officials are authorized to block and/or impeded the lawful flow of traffic.
If you choose to fly a Flag on your bike you are SOLELY RESPONSIBLE for ensuring it is secured and not a danger to any other rider or traffic.
Warm Regards,
Bob “Pizza Man” Johnson
Asst. State Captain
Deputy State Captain
San Antonio Patriot Guard
Dignity, Honor, Respect
Cell: 562-413-2223
“We can’t all be heroes. Some of us get to stand on the curb and clap as they go by.”
Will Rogers