Carl A. Parker (August 6, 1934 – March 22, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member in the Texas House of Representatives from 1962 to 1977 and in the State Senate from 1977 to 1995.[1][2][3] His tenure of service included time as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate.
Senator Parker authored or co-sponsored more than 400 bills, which were enacted into state law. These measures include the establishment of Lamar University, Port Arthur; the Consumer Protection Act; Texas' First Industrial Safety Bill; the Education Reform Bill of 1984; the creation of the Texas Housing Agency; the establishment of the Port of Port Arthur; the Insurance Reform Bill of 1991 and the School Finance Reform Bill.[4]
In 1979, Parker was a member of the Killer Bees,[5] the group of twelve quorum-busting Democratic senators that hid out in an Austin garage apartment for 4½ days.
Parker died in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 22, 2024, at the age of 89.[6]
Following his death, a memoir was published. Turtle on a Post is a collection of memoirs that tells the story of the life and legacy of Senator Carl Parker as told to Jim Sanderson.[7]
References
- ^ Carl Parker Legislative Reference Library of Texas. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ "Carl A. Parker". Texas State Cemetery. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ https://lrl.texas.gov/scanned/members/texas_senators/Public/Texas_Senators_73.pdf
- ^ Top Attorneys of North America
- ^ "The Texas "Killer Bees"". Legislative Reference Library of Texas. May 26, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
- ^ "Remembering Carl A. Parker: Legendary retired state senator dies peacefully at home". KFDM. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ^ "Turtle on a Post: Memoir of Texas State Senator Carl Parker". Lamar.edu. Retrieved 2024-11-26.