Thank you, George, for your vision and dedication to the legacy of the Marauder and her men and women. The legacy lives on because of your commitment.

George Parker Sr. in front of his beloved B-26, “Missouri Mule”, during WWII.

George Parker Sr. at his computer, May 2009.

Lt. Col. George W. Parker Sr.

16-May-1923 to 27-May-2009

George Parker, "Founding Father" of the Marauder Historical Society (est. 1988), and respected Missouri statesman, died on May 27, 2009, at his home at the age of 86. His ashes will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery.

Parker was born in Joplin and served 21 years in the U.S. Army Air Corps and Air Force, flying B-26 bomber missions in WWII. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and two Purple Hearts. He served as military instructor to the Republic of China, Intelligence Officer at the Pentagon, Squadron Commander of F-89 all-weather fighters, and AFROTC Commandant of Cadets at the University of Missouri.

In 1996, Parker became the first Republican elected in Boone County, Mo., since before the Civil War. He served three terms in the Missouri House of Representatives and was selected to attend Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics for the “most promising state legislators in the U.S.” He also founded two national organizations, The B-26 Marauder Historical Society and The Grand Order of Pachyderms.

He is survived by his wife, Lois; and four children, Peggy Parker of Alexandria, Va., Suzie and husband Nick Nichols of Jefferson City, G.W. Parker, Jr., and wife Connie of Denver, Colo., and Della Bennett of Alexandria, Va.

Marauder Men… Proud to have served!

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Marauder Historical Society:

The Marauder Historical Society
3900 E. Timrod Street,
Tucson, AZ 85711

To donate to the memorial fund, click here: