Msgt. Alonzo Usmc (Ret) Parker

Alonzo Melvin Parker was born February 13, 1949 to Elsie L. Parker and Van W. Parker in Suffolk, Virginia. He was raised in Washington, D.C., where he attended The Western High School and was a member of the school’s baseball team. Alonzo graduated with the Class of 1968 and, that same year, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He experienced tours in the Philippines, Guatemala Bay, Cuba, and was a Combat Veteran (1969) of the Viet Nam War. Alonzo fulfilled assignments as Infantry Unit Leader, Career Recruiting Officer and Trainer, and reached the rank of Master Sergeant before transferring to the Fleet Marine Corps. Reserve in 1991. During his twenty-three years of active duty service, Alonzo was decorated with numerous medals and commendations, including the Navy Achievement Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon, Expert Rifleman Badge, and Pistol Sharpshooter Badge, along with several Recruiter awards and achievements. Additionally, Alonzo completed some coursework in Business Administration (National University, 1987) and Accounting (Central Piedmont Community College and Prince Georges Community College, 1991). On August 1, 1998, having faithfully and honorably served the United States Armed Forces, Master Sergeant Alonzo M. Parker retired with thirty years of commitment to a distinguished military career. Alonzo resided for some years in Baltimore, Maryland and later relocated to Columbus, Ohio, where he embarked on a new career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction in 1994. He was employed as a Corrections Officer for many years and retired from the Corrections Medical Center. In his spare time, Alonzo enjoyed riding his motorcycle, bowling, taking pictures, playing saxophone, and listening to music, especially gospel and jazz. Known to be a “handy man,” Alonzo was often repairing or building things around the house. On October 30, 2013, while at The Ohio State University Medical Center, Alonzo M. Parker took rest from his labors and answered the call to receive his life’s reward in the eternal Heavens above. There, he will be reunited with his parents and other family members who preceded him in death. Those who remain to cherish many precious memories of Alonzo, include is three beloved children, Baronga V. Parker of Baltimore, Maryland, Alonzo M. Parker, II of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and LaKia L. Parker of Blacklick, Ohio; former wives, Doris E. Parker of Baltimore, and Alice Y. Parker of Blacklick; his seven siblings, Linda D. Parker, Larry (Pam) Parker, Terry A. Parker, all of Suffolk, Van W. Parker, Jr. (Pat), Jerry E. (Pat) Parker, Demonica R. Parker, all of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Calvin L. (Marsha) Parker of North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.