Dean (Larry) Parker, 73, peacefully passed away April 19, 2017 at his home in Arlington, TX, following a stoic battle with cancer. Dean was born in Granite City, IL on December 30, 1943 to the late Harry and Mary (Wilson) Parker. He was a 1961 graduate of Worden High School, Worden, IL, and had studied marketing and journalism at Southern Illinois University. He was currently employed as a Senior Credit and Collections Administrator with Essilor America in Carrollton, Texas. A retired Teamster, Dean had previously worked with various trucking companies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Texas. As a ballroom dance instructor, Dean had also been employed with dance studios in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Dean enjoyed his frequent Hawaiian travels, country dancing, gardening, floristry, and science fiction. Dean is survived by his companion, Maury Harris of Arlington; his sister, Patricia Bennett of Azle, TX.; his brother, Bob (Dianne) Parker of Collinsville, IL, nieces Susan (Chuck) Hestand of Tioga, TX, and Bobbie (Timothy) Madura of Troy, IL; nephew, Nathan Parker, USAF deployed, and 6 great-nieces. A memorial service will be held Friday, May 12, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of Hope Interfaith Peace Chapel, Dallas, with calling one hour before, and after the service. Preferred memorials are to the Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Attn: Development Department, Dallas, TX 75210