Leonard Terrell Parker, age 84, of New Ulm, TX passed away on April 26, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on August 2, 1940, in Monahans, TX to Forest Robert Parker and Martha Grace Holland.

Leonard graduated from Texas Christian University in 1962 with a double major in Theology and Psychology. After graduation, as an ordained minister through the Disciples of Christ Church, he pastored a church in Moran, TX. He was an insurance adjuster for most of his career as well as a member of The Lions Club where he poured himself into charitable work. He strongly believed in education and helping his community.

Leonard Parker was a loving, caring, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. To those closest to him, not only was he known as Leonard, he was also affectionately referred to as Dear, Dad, Dandaddy (a cherished twist on Granddaddy), and Grandpa. He dedicated his life to his family and his land “Parker’s Patch” which has been home to he and his wife, Martha, the love of his life. This home that they built together has been the heartbeat of their blended family and filled with so much love and laughter by those who are dearest to them. Leonard believed in living life to the fullest while finding fulfillment in the simplicities of it – an all-around ‘good old boy.’ He could often be found in his overalls tinkering around in his workshop, teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren how to fish and build things, riding around on his tractor, taking long walks on his property, tending to the animals that inhabit it, or sitting on his patio with Martha soaking in the peace of nature. Leonard was an explorer of nature and a teacher to everyone around him. Furthermore, he was a man of humor. Leonard was always kind, light-hearted, and made people smile everywhere he went. He never met a stranger, and his boisterous laugh filled any room he walked into warming the hearts of everyone around him.

Leonard’s legacy of love, faith, and humor lives on through his wife Martha S. Parker, whom he married on April 20, 1991, and their cherished family. He is survived by his children Terrellyn Parker, Teresa Parker Williams, Lisa Parker, and his beloved fur baby Tilly Parker; his stepchildren Mendee Geist and husband Bryan, and Brandt Cornwall and wife Deanna; his grandchildren Sarah Orlando, Tiffany Orlando, Travis Williams and wife Devin, Samantha Williams, Jonathan Cox, Jacob Geist, and Maya Geist; and his great-grandchildren Noah Juell, Judah Juell, River Juell, and Ophelia Williams.

A visitation will be held at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, TX from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Monday, April 28, 2025. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday April 29, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at the New Ulm Cemetery located at 2647 FM 109, New Ulm, TX 78950. As Leonard would always say, “If all else fails, follow the directions.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be forwarded to The Lions Club of New Ulm, 1722 FM 109, New Ulm, TX 78950.