Logansport native, Parker Lee Garrett, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 4, 2021. This was a most fitting day for Parker to leave this world since he spent his life loving his country. His deep American Roots caused him to answer the call to duty to serve his country by enlisting in the U. S. Army at the age of 20. He did a tour of both Korea and Viet Nam. He was a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and served as Adjutant and Chaplain for many years in the Col. James Hamilton Beard Camp in Logansport. He was in the process of becoming a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas through the Truitt-Garrett linage.
Parker spent most of his life living in Logansport. His father, Robert Levi Garrett, passed away when he had just turned 3 years of age, so he and his brothers were raised by their mother, Edna Daughtry Garrett. Many will remember “Mrs. Edna’s” floral shop that she had in her home. It goes without saying, all four brothers grew up in the First Baptist Church in Logansport and became strong Christian men, following their mother’s teachings.
He had a deep love for the Lord and his adult life’s goal was to serve Him to the best of his ability. Until his health began to deteriorate last year, mainly due to the rigors of war experiences, he served in the Jail Ministry at the DeSoto Parish Detention Center. Previously, he served at the Caddo Parish Correctional Center and was a Chaplain at the NWLA Veterans’ Hospital in Shreveport.
As a member of the First Baptist Church of Logansport from childhood, his Christian faith grew daily. Throughout the years he served his God and church family in numerous ways. Parker Lee was always there when needed and many times stepped in without being asked. He was a Deacon of the church, on the Board of Directors, and served on many committees throughout the years. He served as a Sunday School teacher for over 40 years, with at least 25 of them with the Men’s Boaz Class. He was greatly loved by all. In the last few years of his life, God called him to begin helping with Vacation Bible School. He soon discovered that working with kids was sometimes challenging, but fun.
Parker was also a member of the “Keenagers” Senior Adult Group at First Baptist. He enjoyed their monthly Bingo games and luncheons. He was able to accompany this group on their magnificent trip to “The Ark,” located in Kentucky, in 2019, and was looking forward to their next excursion.
He had many hobbies, and there was never a dull moment in his life. Besides being an avid reader, he enjoyed going to Canton monthly, checking out estate and garage sales, and flea markets. Being a “rock hound” he was always looking for newly excavated spots to explore.
Those left to cherish his memory are his brothers Alfred Douglas “Doug” Garrett and his wife, Patsy Powdrill; and Robert Lynn “Bobby” Garrett; and sister-in-Law Linda Simmons Garrett; Parker’s Fiancé and Best Friend Barbara McClellan; nephews Eric Garrett and wife Denise, Mark Garrett, James Garrett and wife, Dina; nieces SueSue Garrett Boyett and husband, Jeremy, and Randi Garrett Weathersby and husband, Wesley, along with numerous other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Edna Garrett; brother James Randel Garrett; sister-in-Law Ouida Springer Garrett; niece D’Neice Garrett Miller; and nephew Christopher Garrett.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church in Logansport on July 18, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. If Parker Lee has made a big impact on your life and you would like to share it with others please contact Barbara McClellan at 318-697-2750 or 318-465-9209. If you don’t wish to speak, but have a funny or uplifting memory of Parker, please write it down and place it in the box in the foyer of the church. If you cannot attend the service these can be emailed to memom2many@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Garrett-McClellan Scholarship & Missions fund set up at First Baptist Church, or other funds set up for scholarships and Senior Adult Activities at the church.