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.
Carl Parker | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Texas House of Representatives | |
| In office November 23, 1962 – January 11, 1977 | |
| Member of the Texas State Senate | |
| In office January 11, 1977 – January 10, 1995 | |
| Succeeded by | Michael Galloway |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1934 Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | March 22, 2024 (aged 89) Port Arthur, Texas, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | University of Texas, Austin (BA, LLB) |
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
edit- ^ 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.
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