October 16, 1942 ~ June 3, 2026
Donald William Parker, Jr. 83-year-old Grand Lake resident, passed away late Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Clarehouse in Tulsa. He was born on October 16, 1942, in Tulsa to Donald William Parker, Sr. and Edna Lee (Fields) Parker. Donald graduated from high school in Houston, Texas.
He later served his country in the United States Army. Donald worked as a rural mail carrier for the Pryor United States Postal office. In July of 1987, he married Thelma E. (Weaver) Thomas. Donald was well known in the lake area and surrounding towns as a member of the Duck Creek Band.
He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, his wife Thelma Parker in January of this year.
The family includes his children, Patrick Thomas and wife Lisa of Bixby, Jerry Thomas and wife Leiza of Stillwater, Curtis Carver of Tahlequah, Michael and Michelle Parker both of the Houston area.
Private services will be held. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”