Thomas Parker

On Wednesday March 15, 2017, Tom Parker lost his battle with liver cancer. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, and father. During his short 69 years he accomplished many things, most of which he kept out of the public knowledge. He was born September 26, 1947, in Lander, WY, to Barbara and Richard Parker, the first of three children. He was a member of the Lander Valley HS wrestling and football teams, but his true passion was rodeo. A saddle bronc rider and steer wrestler, he used that passion to attend college at Northwest College and Central Wyoming Community College. Before he could complete his schooling at the University of Wyoming, he was drafted into military service for the Vietnam War. Choosing to make the most of a bad situation, he attended jump school in the Army and graduated top of his class in basic training. He served 13 months in Vietnam as a member of the 173rd Airborne before returning home. Once he returned stateside he made the best decision of his young life and married Linda Reed on May 5, 1973. He completed his education at the University of Wyoming, receiving a Masters degree in agriculture education. He began his teaching career in Cody, WY at Cody High School as the FFA advisor and ag teacher from 1975 to 1980. His craft took him to Torrington High School where he taught from 1980-1990 and was the assistant wrestling coach. He became the National Vocational Ag Teacher Association regional vice president, president-elect and finally the president while teaching in Torrington. In 1990, Casper College presented an opportunity to return to his passion of rodeo as the head coach of the Thunderbirds as well as continue to teach ag. He served nine years as the NIRA faculty director for the Central Rocky Mountain Region. College rodeo wasn't the only rodeo he cared about; he was a board member for the Wyoming High School Rodeo Association for many years and was a Gold Card member of the PRCA. During those years he served as a high school, amateur, and pro official. He retired from full time teaching in 2013 and continued as the head rodeo coach. He is survived by his wife, Linda; son, Jerrod Thomas (Mandy); granddaughter, Ava; son, Ryan Reed; his brother, Dick (Susan); and sister, Verna; as well as his nieces and nephews.

Service

Tuesday, March 28, 2017 1:30pm

Highland Park Community Church

East 2nd

Casper, Wyoming 82609