Carl Daughtery Parks Jr's Obituary
Carl was born on December 19, 1939, in Leedey, Oklahoma, to Carl Sr. and Lillie Parks. His family ran a large farm and orchard, supplying the town with fresh produce. Carl worked hard growing up, and after high school, he joined the Army. He fought in the Vietnam War as part of the elite 101st Airborne, eventually becoming a drill sergeant and serving his country for a total of nine years.
He moved to Houston, Texas, where he worked at a chemical plant. In 1969, he met the love of his life, JoAnn, and after a short courtship, they married that August. He later took a job at a grinding company and began piddling in woodworking on the side.
JoAnn came into the marriage with two daughters from a previous marriage, 9-year-old Diana and 7-year-old Deborah, and Carl took to fatherhood immediately, raising and loving them as his own.
In 1973, the family got devastating news: 13-year-old Diana had bone cancer. Carl worked two jobs while doing everything he could to support his family through it. After a three-year battle, Diana passed away on February 27, 1976, just 17 days after her 16th birthday. It was one of the hardest chapters of the family's life, but Carl was the strength that held them together.
Around 1975, Carl pursued his dream of becoming a carpenter and custom furniture builder. His work grew into more business than he could handle alone, and he expanded into wholesale and retail, with JoAnn and Deborah working alongside him.
After nearly 30 years, Carl finally retired — then took up hot shot deliveries out of sheer boredom, until his body told him it really was time to stop. He held down the homestead while JoAnn traveled most weekends, lecturing with her prized artifact, "Max the Crystal Skull."
After COVID hit, JoAnn retired too, and the two of them spent the following years simply growing old together. As Carl's health declined and he lost his mobility, his granddaughter Amber left her teaching job to become his full-time caregiver. Eventually, Deborah, Amber and her husband and two kids, along with Carl and JoAnn, bought a house together to make life easier for everyone.
Being surrounded by his four great-grandchildren became one of the greatest joys of his life. Carl passed peacefully on July 22, 2026, at peace and ready. He will be deeply missed — his smile and laughter most of all.
In his later years, Carl's greatest pleasures were his family, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. He also loved a good meal at his favorite Pasadena eatery, Papa Yolkes, where he was a regular.
Carl was preceded in death by his loving parents, Carl Sr. and Lillie; his brother, NB; and his sisters, Rubye and Patricia.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, JoAnn; his daughter, Deborah Luckey; his younger brother, James; his grandchildren, Eric Luckey, Amber Williams, and Ashley Luckey; and his four great-grandchildren, Adalynn, Michael, Bethany, and Sophia.
What’s your fondest memory of Carl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carl?
Share a story where Carl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carl you’ll never forget.
How did Carl make you smile?