Obituary of Fay Parker

Col. Fay D. Parker, USAF (Ret.) died peacefully in her Colorado Springs home on February 10, 2024 with family at her bedside.

During her military career, Col. Parker made significant contributions to the USAF nurse corps. She had a well-rounded education that enabled her to be a mentor to many junior and senior nurses. As a result, she built a strong nursing corps wherever she was stationed. Col. Parker had assignments in Europe, Asia and multiple locations within the US, serving in a variety of positions including Clinical Supervisor, Flight Nurse, Chief Nurse, Pacific Command Nurse and retiring as Command Nurse, United States Air Force Academy.

During her military career, she received many awards and decorations, including the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Service Award Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. Upon retirement in Colorado Springs, she remained actively involved with Air Force Nurses, both on active duty and retired. Recently, she enjoyed a celebration with many of her friends and Air Force nurses when she received the Quilt of Valor award.

Fay was born to Richard C. "Bud" and Rosa Cobb Parker in Otis, Louisiana on April 14, 1928. After graduating from Bolton High School in Alexandria, LA, in 1946, and then St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1949, Fay worked as a registered nurse at St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria before joining the Air Force in 1951. She dearly loved her extended family and many friends and stayed close to them throughout the years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Joffre, Marvin, Ray, and Billy; and sisters, Ruby, Irene, and Golie.

She was beloved by the many nieces and nephews she leaves behind, as well as the community of close friends she cultivated during her 40+ years in Colorado Springs.

Fay was indeed the matriarch of the Parker family, and an icon to the many nurses she served with and friends she had in Colorado Springs. Special thanks to friends who enabled Fay’s independence for so many years: Gail Gary & son John, Charlene Alderman, Pat Heinrichs, Monica Harrison, Mary Chicoine, Pat Chappell and Mary Littlejohn. And special thanks to Julie Oberlin, her personal assistant who helped her for many years. Fay was most happy with her family and friends. Her energy, mental acuity, and humor were with her to her last breath. She will definitely be missed by many loving friends and family!

Visitation, 5:00PM, Friday, March 1, 2024, Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, 701 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

Rosary, 7:00PM, Friday, March 1, 2024, Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, 701 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

Funeral Service, 11:00AM, Saturday, March 2, 2024, Hixson Brothers Funeral Home, 701 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana 71301.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in her name to The Society of Air Force Nurses; Hemphill Star Cemetery, C/O Donna Howe, 269 Miller Road, Boyce. LA 71409; or to your favorite charity.