DR. ROBERT LEROY PARKER's Obituary
ROBERT LEROY PARKER, 87, of Miami, passed away at home on April 9, 2017.
Musician, scholar, teacher, traveler, he was born in Lovington, NM, on September 4, 1929, son of the late Leah and John Bruton Parker. He was predeceased by sisters Hope Parker Kannenberg and Lois Parker Slater; by brothers Carroll, Wendall, and John B. Parker, Jr. Bob earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Texas. As a professional trumpeter he was a particular fan of jazz, but played a wide range of genres; he also performed in the US 4th Army Band at Fort Sam Houston, TX. He was an inspiring teacher of music and music theory at several colleges and universities. As a scholar he is best known for his monumental contributions to the research on Mexican composer, author, and educator Carlos Chávez. His research on Chávez and other musical figures took him to Austria, Canada, Germany, Mexico, and Spain, as well as to numerous U.S. cities. Following retirement in 1995 as Director of Graduate Studies at University of Miami, Bob continued to travel professionally—attending conferences and presenting papers—as well as personally, for adventure far and wide. He is survived by his devoted companion Elizabeth Weiner; sisters-in-law Jane Parker and Leslie Parker; nieces Caroline Germond, Holly Keberline, Catherine Kannenberg, LeAnne Riggsbee, Anne Marie West; nephews Christopher Kannenberg and Chet Slater; several grandnieces and grandnephews, as well as great-grand nieces and nephews. Bob will be sorely missed for his serious scholarship and for his ever-present humor. A Celebration of Life will take place at 3:00 pm on Friday, April 21, in the Van Orsdel Kendall Chapel (11220 N. Kendall Drive, Miami 33176; 305279.6644). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Miami
Lighthouse for the Blind (601 SW 8th Ave, Miami, FL 33130; 305-856-2288 ) or American Children’s Orchestra for Peace (2150 Coral Way, Suite 3C, Miami 33145; 305-285-2303).
What’s your fondest memory of ROBERT?
What’s a lesson you learned from ROBERT?
Share a story where ROBERT's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with ROBERT you’ll never forget.
How did ROBERT make you smile?
