Thomas Henry Parker, 76, passed away on March 19, 2024, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He spent his last days at home, surrounded by family. Tommy’s life began in Alamosa, Colo., on June 4, 1947, where he was the youngest of five children. He was born to Harriett and Clayton Parker. He grew up there and eventually graduated from Alamosa High School in 1965. 

He joined the U.S. Navy in 1966 and was stationed in Long Beach, Calif. He served aboard the U.S.S. Bennington CVS20, as a Damage Controlmen during the Vietnam War.

During the summer of 1967, while home on leave, he met the love of his life and married her later that year. Tom and Charlotte (Nickson) Parker were married Dec. 29, 1967, in Alamosa, Colo., and shared 56 years together. During their time together, they built a home in Colorado Springs, Colo., and raised four children.

Tommy graduated from Trinidad State Junior College in 1971, with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science with an emphasis in Building Trades. His professor and lifelong friend Dave Gonzales was a critical part of his education. He then went on to run his own business, Parker Masonry, for 35 years. He retired from Glover Masonry, out of Denver Colorado as a Foreman in 2015. In reality, Tommy never retired as he worked for Hertz Rental from 2018 until his cancer diagnoses in August of 2023.

Tommy loved his family and spending time with them was what he lived for. He enjoyed weekends at the lake, summers at Lake Powell, camping, fishing, and family reunions. Early on, Tommy was an avid hunter. As time went on, he became more appreciative of the beauty of nature and the sport. He thoroughly just loved to see and look at pictures of Elk and all wildlife.

As his children grew and started families of their own, he adored the time spent with his nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Tommy and Charlotte also enjoyed road trips to Las Vegas, cruises, family vacations, and watching grandkids play sports! Since his semi-retirement, he has thoroughly enjoyed time with all his Buddies at coffee. He’ll be remembered most by his witty comments that made us laugh and cry at the same time, even up to the day he passed.

Tommy prided himself on working hard throughout his life. During his later years, he took up gardening, with special interest in growing tomatoes. In the summer, his sunroom and greenhouse would become a forest of tomato plants, complete with a self-engineered pully-system to keep everything growing and upright. Throughout the growing season, he loved to send pictures to his kids, pleased with his daily harvest.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Charlotte (Nickson) Parker, four children Neil (Kim) of Palmer Lake, Colo., Terry (Michelle) of Lewis, Colo., Paula of Alamosa, Colo., and Kelly (Brady) of Moffat, Colo., nine grandchildren, Taylor (Ryan) Rhoades, Zach (Lauren) Parker, Ryanne (Dylan) Greco, Hannah, Hailey, Emma, Parker, Tymberlynn, and Deagon, five great-grandchildren, sisters Joanie (John) Cavaliere, Dixie (Alan) Rogers and numerous cousins,  nieces, and nephews. Tommy was blessed with four generations of namesakes, with the most recent being the arrival of his great-grandson born late last year.

Tommy was preceded in death by his mother and father, Clayton and Hariett Dodds Parker, his sister Annie Parker Roberts, brother-in-law Jim Roberts, his brother Clayton James Parker, and sister-in-law Yolanda Nickson.

A celebration of life will be held at 610 Pioneer Haven Point, Palmer Lake, CO 80133 at 2 p.m. on April 13, 2024.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on April 19 at the Alamosa Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Knee Knockers at Cattails Golf course from 2-5 p.m.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, words of comfort, or remembrances of Tommy for his family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.