John Earl Parker

On May 1, 1955, a spark ignited in Hot Springs, Arkansas, growing into the bright, guiding light that was John Earl Parker. Born to William H. and Pearl E. Parker in Hot Springs, AR John was the youngest of three sons, who often wisecracked that his mother “stopped when she got it right”. Known amongst his closest friends as a “Prayer Warrior”, he lived a life rooted in love and light, illuminating everyone he met with his electric personality, sharp wit and kindness. He embodied warmth, humor, and endless generosity. A selfless man, he made sure everyone’s needs were met before his. He graduated from Hot Springs High School class of 1973 where he formed lifelong bonds with his brothers from other mothers, Benny Arego, John Cook, and Randy Goodwin. John’s journey as a tradesman began at the age of 17, becoming an electrical apprentice. After graduating he became an Inside Wireman for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IEBW) Local 619. He traveled across the country, working in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arizona, and Iowa before returning to Hot Springs becoming a Master Electrician, an Electrical Contractor and owner of Home Electric, servicing thousands of homes and mentoring young apprentices in the greater Hot Springs area for over 50 years. John was an adventurer, a man with a love for the outdoors and a taste for a little thrill. He cherished time spent fishing for smallmouth bass, taking his Land Cruiser off-road, and wading through creeks just to see where the path might lead. His sense of humor and fun was infectious; he was known to take a chance on a lottery ticket or a slot machine, finding joy in life’s little gambles and always ready with a grin when lady luck shined his way. An avid Razorback fan and seasoned pit master, he loved to spend game-days grilling meats while listening to his favorite Blues and Rock’n’Roll artists. In 2005, he married his high school sweetheart, Cyndi Biondo, after nearly 30 years of friendship. He was a proud and doting father to his daughter, Trisha, and a loving bonus dad to Lindsay Orlicek, whom he embraced with the same warmth he brought to every endeavor. Though he may have flipped his final breaker switch, John leaves a legacy of laughter, love, and light that will never dim. John was preceded in death by his parents Pearl Waitkus and William H. Parker, wife Cyndi Biondo, and brother, Richard Parker. He is survived by daughter Trisha Parker of Fayetteville, stepdaughter Lindsay Orlicek (Zach) of Bella Vista, beloved cat Sir Charles, brother Larry Parker of Poplar Bluff, MO., nephew Rick Parker of Arlington, TX., niece Sandra Crawford of Frisco, TX., and niece Dawn Hicks (Steve) of Poplar Bluff, MO. Save the date. A celebration of life will be held on February 22, 2025. More details to come.

John Earl Parker

May 1, 1955 - November 8, 2024