Byron D. "Bud" Parker

Byron DeMent Parker (Bud) was born to Charles H. Parker and Lillian D. Parker on March 31, 1930, in Tulsa, OK. The family lived in Bartlesville before moving to Oklahoma City in 1932. Bud attended Lincoln Elementary and Webster Jr. High in Oklahoma City. After his father’s death in 1944, he enrolled at the Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) for his 10th-grade year, graduating with his associate's degree. While at OMA, Bud’s athletic prowess was on full display as he participated in football, baseball, swimming, polo, and boxing. Bud was awarded the coaches’ varsity outstanding athlete award and was a Golden Gloves boxer who won the Oklahoma Light Heavyweight Championship.

After leaving OMA, Bud entered the USAF and learned to fly. Upon discharge, he enrolled at the University of Oklahoma, receiving his BBA in Finance. At OU, he lettered in boxing and was on the football team. A founding member of the Rho Lambda chapter of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he later served as chapter president in 1955. His allegiance to the fraternity remained strong. As the last surviving chapter founder, he was jubilant to hear of current plans to reestablish the chapter on the OU campus. One of the most significant events for Bud at OU was meeting a cute Theta from the Texas panhandle named Jill, who would become his wife of 66 years.

After graduation, the newlyweds moved to New York while Bud trained as a financial analyst at Frances I. DuPont & Co. Bud and Jill returned to Oklahoma City, and in 1961, Bud founded Parker, Bishop, and Hart, which went on to become the largest equity underwriting firm in Oklahoma at the time. His entrepreneurial spirit led him down several career paths throughout his lifetime. He was a stock broker, pursued oil and gas exploration, alternative energy fuels, obtained his SEC mediator license, and in his later years, was a licensed health insurance agent, which he actively pursued until age 95.

Bud and Jill welcomed their daughters, Patty, in 1961 and Suzy in 1967. Bud’s “coaching from the stands” was legendary among the girls’ teammates as he took an active interest in their athletic and academic pursuits. He took the family on many fun and memorable trips. Bud and Jill happily explored the world together and played a lot of great golf courses. His three granddaughters brought him lots of joy. He not only attended their games and matches but also never missed a grandparent’s day or school play.

Bud was very active in the community and belonged to several business and charitable organizations throughout his life, including YPO, Prevent Blindness Oklahoma, and the Knights of Columbus at Christ the King Catholic Church, where he also sang in the choir for over 30 years. As a charter member of Quail Creek Golf and Country Club, Bud and Jill enjoyed playing couples golf on Sundays and formed a wonderful group of lifelong friends who shared their passion for the game. Bud conquered the ever-elusive hole-in-one at age 80! As lifelong Sooner football and basketball season ticketholders, Bud and Jill attended home games, OU/Texas, several bowl games, and basketball tournaments over the years. Cheering for the Sooners with family and friends was one of his favorite pastimes.

Bud once said that his life’s philosophy was “to strive for excellence and stay positive.” These traits, combined with a great sense of humor and a generous spirit, were a blessing to all who knew Bud and called him their friend.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Jill Dunn Parker; his parents, Charles Henry Parker, Jr. and Lillian DeMent Parker; his brother, John Charles Parker. He is survived by his daughters, Patty (Peter) Brumbaugh and Suzy (Jeff) Lytle, all of Oklahoma City; and granddaughters, Mary Kathryn Coe of Oklahoma City, Lydia Lytle of Te Anau, NZ, and Sally Lytle of Philadelphia.

The family would like to thank the team at Mercy Coletta Cancer Center and Mercy Hospital/Hospice for their professionalism and kindness during Bud’s health journey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the DKE Rho Lambda Literary Association, 4815 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 10:00 at Christ the King Catholic Church.