Charles Henry Parker

Charles Henry Parker, a cotton farmer and advocate for the cotton industry, passed away on July 28, 2023, at the age of 81. He was born on April 27, 1942, in Hollywood, Missouri, to Henry Harris and Nadine Pounds Parker. Charles graduated from Kennett High School in 1959 and went on to earn a degree in accounting from Harding College in 1963. Charles married Phyllis Ann Harris on December 7, 1963. Charles loved his family, he loved growing cotton and the cotton industry, the Memphis Tigers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He was fortunate that his occupation of growing cotton was also his hobby. Charles was a lifelong member of the Senath Church of Christ, where he served as an elder, deacon, teacher, and treasurer. He was also active in his community, serving on the Senath-Hornersville School Board, Farmers Union Gin Board, Dunklin County Ambulance Board, Levee District #4 Board, Farm Credit of Southeast Missouri, Cotton Producers of Missouri, National Cotton Council (Chairman), Arkansas-Missouri Cotton Ginners Association, Arkansas Ag Council, University of Missouri Delta Center, Boll Weevil Eradication Board, American Cotton Producers, Harding College President's Council, and Crowley's Ridge College Board. Charles was a recipient of numerous awards, including the National Cotton Council Commendation for Outstanding Service, Cotton Grower Magazine Cotton Achievement Award, National Cotton Council "Old Buzzard Award", and Dunklin County Hall of Honor. Charles was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Charles leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Phyllis, daughters Melinda Jones (Alan) & Paula Johnson (Jeff), grandchildren Allyson (Logan), Kacey & Alex Jones, John Parker, Emma & Jack Johnson and great-granddaughter Leigha Jo Jones, sisters-in-law Becky Harris and Debbie Parker and many other family and friends. Charles was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Brenda Parker, Barbara Parker Wheeler and a brother, Keith Parker. Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at 3:30 p.m. at the Senath Church of Christ with Mr. Jim Mauldin & Mr. Art Smith officiating. Visitation will begin there at 2:00 p.m. and continue until the time of service. A private burial will be in Senath Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be sent to: Senath-Hornersville Educational Foundation; PO Box 456; Senath, MO 63876 Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Powell Funeral & Cremation Services, Kennett is in charge of arrangements.