In Memoriam: Jack V. Parker
Jack Parker, founder of member company Haven Steel, died Oct. 11 at his home in Haven, Kan. He was 93.
Parker's story is like few others. He and his brother were placed in an orphanage when they were 10 and 12. They ran away, jumped a train, lived in a hobo camp, and ultimately fell under the care of three sisters and teachers in Hutchinson, Kansas. The women expected the brothers' best, and during Parker's senior year, he was class president and football captain.
Parker served in World War II on an anti-aircraft ship in the Pacific. He returned to Hutchinson after his service and met Alice, who would become his wife. She preceded him in death in 2000.
In addition to Haven Steel, Parker founded Haven Redi-Mix.