Introduction
Lawrence Leroy "Larry" Parker, usually known as Larry Parker (April 1, 1922—September 18, 1996) was an American businessman and politician from Alexandria, Louisiana. He served a single term in the Louisiana House of Representatives from Rapides Parish from 1964 to 1968. His tenure corresponded with the first administration of Governor John McKeithen.
Early life
Larry Parker was born on April 1, 1922, in Pensacola, Florida, to Dewey Lovelace Parker (1897–1966) and Myrtle Bell Dowdy Boone (1904–1987). He had two siblings—Mary Lovelace Parker Graham (1924–2004) and Madeline Lois Parker White (1926–2000).
Career
A U.S. Navy veteran, Parker owned and operated a coin shop (Parker Coins) and was president of the Alexandria Association, an organization of merchants. He was also a deputy for the Rapides Parish Sheriff's office and a radio news commentator.
In 1966, Parker ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination for Louisiana's 8th congressional district, since disbanded. He lost to the one-term incumbent, Speedy Long of LaSalle Parish.
In the spring of 1977, Parker ran for mayor of Alexandria in an all-Democratic contest in which Carroll E. Lanier unseated John K. Snyder.
Personal life
Parker was married to Sylvia Lucille Snyder (1936-2011), the daughter of Lewis Andrew Snyder and the former Eva Bland. They had four children—Michael "Mike" L. Parker and wife Lesley, Kenneth "Ken" L. Parker and wife Susan, Dianna L. Dauzart & husband Gary, and Cathy L. Smith.
Death
Parker passed away on September 18, 1996, at the Alexandria Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located across the Red River in Pineville, Louisiana. He was seventy-four. His wife died in Rogers, Arkansas, also at the age of seventy-four. They both are interred at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Ball north of Pineville in Rapides Parish. Former State Senator B. G. Dyess, a Southern Baptist pastor, officiated at Mrs. Snyder's funeral service on February 14, 2011.