Mr. Joel Parker Sr.

" And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." John 14:3 Joel Parker, Sr. was born on March 23, 1937, to Ezola Young in Washington, Louisiana. On Friday, April 17, 2026, at Pointe Coupee Healthcare in New Roads, LA, he peacefully transitioned into enteral life. Joel accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age in Washington, Louisiana and was a devoted member at Wiley United Methodist Church in Blanks, LA. He was united in Holy Matrimony to Elnora Murray on January 21, 1960. Their union was blessed with four daughters and two sons, and they shared 35 years of love and devotion until her passing on June 3, 1995. Though she asked him to wait two years before remarrying, Joel chose to remain devoted to her and never remarried. From a young age, Joel developed a passion for horses and became widely known as one of the finest cowboys around. He traveled near and far to compete in rodeos as a saddle bronc rider and even tried his hand at bull riding. Despite the challenges of not being welcomed as a black cowboy he fought against the odds and became a Stock and Rodeo Producer in Louisiana and Mississippi bringing black and white cowboys together. For over 50 years, he hosted rodeos at the Lottie Stampede Arena alongside his sons and rodeo partner, Eli Allen. The annual Easter Sunday Rodeo became a cherished tradition that many looked forward to year after year. Beyond the arena, Joel was a faithful and hardworking man. He worked for Haas and Hirsh for many years, Jumonville Farms for 15 years, and later retired from Alma Plantation in early 2000. During his retirement he stayed connected to what he loved, continuing to train horses. Outside of work, Joel found joy in the simple things, such as listening to Hank Williams gospel music, watching westerns, animal movies, wrestling, and The Bold and the Beautiful. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love in his children: Augustine Parker of Lottie, LA, Cherry Bridgewater of St. Francisville, LA, Joel Parker, Jr. of Lottie, LA, James Parker of Krotz Springs, LA, Barbara (Dale) Howard of Glynn, LA and Norma ( Ronald) Zachery of Lottie, LA; grandchildren, Corey (Margaret) Parker, Brett Parker, Precious (Jessie) Tate, Madonna Parker, Dyamond Parker, Brittany Howard, Tre' Beckman, Courtney Parker, Jamie Williams, Dante' Williams, Jordan Philson, and J' Niyah Parker, and twenty five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers-in law, Adrian Tezeno, Geraldine Andrus, Willie Murray, John Murray, Joel Murray Sr., Grace (Melvin) White, and Beverly (Tilden) Boudreaux, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. He shared special bonds with many, including Freddie Nolan who was like a son to him, Quincy Battley who was a co-worker and good friend to him, and Lavale Johnson who was like a grandson to him. Joel also leaves behind many close cowboy friends, including Gene Richard, Errol Klein, Luke Decuir, Darrell Cezair, Willie King, Eugene King, Ray Dunbar, Pokey Johnson, Leniel Kimble, Mitch Wyble, JB Stelly, Dude Wartell and many others. Joel was proceeded in death by his beloved wife, Elnora Parker; his mother and step-father, Ezola and Arthur Skinner; his father and mother-in-law, Arthur and Edmonia Murray; his brothers, Leroy (Elmer) Andrus, Sr, Aaron Rideau, and Haywood Tezeno, Sr.; his sister, Maybell Lavergne; his grandson, Casper Parker; and his great grandsons, Kyler Jace Mouton and Jax Kaide Albert and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at First Benjamin Baptist Church, (4228 Hwy. 357) in Opelousas, LA. A public viewing will begin at 8:30 AM to 10:45 AM, prior to the service. The service will be officiated by Rev. Albert Tezeno. Interment will follow at Moundville Cemetery in Grand Prairie, LA. Today, we celebrate a life well lived. Though we will miss him deeply, we find comfort in knowing that Joel is at peace, reunited with loved ones, and resting in the arms of the Lord. Welcome to heaven, cowboy. Your entry fees are paid, your ride is won, and your legacy lives on in all who knew and loved you. Until we meet again, we hold tight to God's promise of reunion in His perfect time. Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort, support and memories with the family by visiting the online guestbook at www.williamsfuneralhomes.net Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Williams Funeral Home of Opelousas, 337-942-2037.

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Mr. Joel Parker Sr.

March 23, 1937 - April 17, 2026