Carl A. Parker
Carl A. Parker (August 6, 1934 – March 22, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member in the Texas House of Representatives from 1962 to 1977 and in the State Senate from 1977 to 1995.[1][2][3] His tenure of service included time as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate. Senator Parker authored or co-sponsored more than 400 bills, which were enacted into state law. These measures include the establishment of Lamar University, Port Arthur; the Consumer Protection Act; Texas' First Industrial Safety Bill; the Education Reform Bill of 1984; the creation of the Texas Housing Agency; the establishment of the Port of Port Arthur; the Insurance Reform Bill of 1991 and the School Finance Reform Bill.[4] In 1979, Parker was a member of the Killer Bees,[5] the group of twelve quorum-busting Democratic senators that hid out in an Austin garage apartment for 4½ days. Parker died in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 22, 2024, at the age of 89.[6] Following his death, a memoir was published. Turtle on a Post is a collection of memoirs that tells the story of the life and legacy of Senator Carl Parker as told to Jim Sanderson.[7] References
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