Publishers Note: You also can leave comments for George at the end on any of the three stories we have on the home page today.
Reader comments:
The opinions expressed below are those of the readers who submitted them and not those of the Tribune's reporters or editors. Readers are solely responsible for the content of their comments.
Gumby_5 says...
Sir
Thank you for your service.
MidMoMan says...
He is a true American hero. His service to his country is an inspiration to all that know him. He will be greatly missed.
retiredtop says...
I had George Parker as an MU ROTC instructor many years ago. He was one of the best the ROTC Department had. Always looked forward to his classes. One of Columbia's great people.
tosullivan says...
An outstanding man. I had the good fortune to meet George, Lois and his family shortly after I moved to Columbia. A true gentleman committed to his community and this great country.
LocalCitizen says...
Mr. Parker is a decent, kind, good man. He is a progressive thinker, and a smart man. Every citizen should strive to meet his example. I know him and he was always friendly and kind to me.
basie says...
Thanks for your service to your country and your local community, Mr. Parker.
4whatswrth says...
George has been a huge part of politics in this community, but more than that he has given of his time and energy to many service projects. We salute George Parker as one who has had a LARGE impact in a vast number of lives!
Ozark says...
Mr. George Parker,
Thank you!
Your missions still inspire many Americans. I don't care about politics when we honor real heroes, I just respect your service to the United States. I wish I was inline to shake your hand.
Thank you!
BigDogKC says...
I had the distinct honor of working closely with George in his 1972 campaign for State Treasurer.
His knowledge of the political process has been honed through the years by his personal dedication to improving that process with hard work and ceaseless energy. George has coined many remarkable sayings about government, but the one that has resonated with me nearly 40 years is "People get the government they deserve, not the one they wish for."
George taught me the important things to remember about creating an effective system of government were to get involved and stay informed. Although always a partisan, George Parker has won praise and admiration from a wide spectrum of political camps: Democrats &
Republicans liberals and conservatives, people of all races and all creeds. As for me, when ever I think of a definition for "public servant" I'll think of George W. Parker.
oldwesterngal says...
Thank you for your service to our country and our community.
LissaT says...
Wow, what a wonderful story. Thank you for all of your dedicated service!
Fatdaddy says...
Place George Parker on the list of the greatest of the Greatest Generation.
The B-26 Marauder was known as the "Widowmaker". It was a short-coupled handful to fly, but by the time the war ended, it was ranked among the "Best of the Best".
That would make it the right assignment for George Parker. I can see George taking hold of a fidgety, skittish handful of a machine and making it effective and productive; helping it reach its full potential.
Seems like he did that kind of thing his entire career.
Eyes right for George Parker.
