In Memory: Melvin Alton Parker, Jr.

USA Rice extends condolences to the family and friends of Melvin Alton Parker, Jr., who passed away on November 25.  He was 94.

A resident of El Campo, Texas, for 68 years, Melvin spent his career in the rice industry, first as the manager of the Rice Marketing Association office, and then as a founding director, president, CEO, and chairman of the board of Rice Belt Warehouse, Inc.  He spearheaded the development of Rice Belt Warehouse into a multi-million-dollar company with plants in El Campo, Bay City, Ganado, Edna, Blessing, Markham, Louise, Alvin, Rosharon, and Houston.
 
Melvin also made time for community service and was involved with the Jaycees, Wharton County 100 Club, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, Masonic Lodge, and served on the board of El Campo Memorial Hospital from 1975 to 1989.  In 1989, he was named the El Campo Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year for his lifelong civic involvement.

“Melvin Parker was a longtime leader, not only of Rice Belt Warehouse, but of our greater community as well as the rice industry,” said L.G. Raun, a rice farmer who lives in El Campo.  “Because his expertise covered drying, storing, grading, milling, marketing, and farm policy,  Melvin was the answer man on any question about our industry.  He was a fine gentleman and always ready to share his broad knowledge.  He will be missed but certainly not forgotten.”

He is preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Ruby Jean Janak Parker, and survived by their daughter, Barbara Jenkins, and sons, Melvin III and Michael, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Triska Funeral Home (612 Merchant Street, El Campo, Texas, 77437-3440).  Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church in El Campo.  Burial will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Melvin’s memory can be made to the First United Methodist Church, El Campo, or the El Campo Memorial Hospital Building Fund.