Doyle Parker

Doyle Edwin Parker “Coach Parker” was born on August 30, 1937, Doyle graduated from Andrews High School and Hardin-Simmons University. In 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Latham, and they shared 64 years of love and adventure.

Doyle and Shirley were blessed with three children: Kim Parker-Guerrero (Mike), Rusty Parker (Emmanuelle), and Donise Alvarez (Jose). He was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Kelly Creech (Doug), Josh Creech (Emily), Cade Guerrero (Dakota), Jake Guerrero, Haleigh Thomas (Nate), Brooks Parker, Vanessa Koran (Kris), and Austin Alvarez (Brandon), and seven great-grandchildren: Adelaide, Willie, and Isla Grace Creech, Parker and Henry Thomas, Gavin and Kai Koran. He is also survived by his special friend Joann Miller, many cousins from the Parker and Brumley families, and a special group of lifelong friends, aka “our chosen family” known as the Mullets.

Coach Parker had an illustrious 39-year football coaching career, 12 of which he spent at Texas Tech University, where he retired in 1999. His career began in Hale Center, Texas, and spanned ten high schools before moving to the college ranks at Rice, Lamar, and Texas Tech. He was proud to coach the Red Raiders in several bowl games, including the Cotton, Alamo, Copper, All-American, Independence, and the Coca-Cola Bowl in Tokyo, Japan. His many honors include induction into the Texas High School Coaches Hall of Honor, Bellville High School Hall of Honor, and Distinguished West Texan Award at the National Football Foundation Texas Tech Chapter’s annual scholar-athlete banquet. It’s the chapter’s highest recognition.

One of his proudest achievements was leading the Bellville Brahmas to the 1977 Texas High School State Championship, coaching his son Rusty as quarterback and having his daughter Donise cheering on the sidelines.

Doyle’s legacy is not only found in his coaching accomplishments but also in the lasting relationships he built. Former players and coaches have expressed how much he meant to them, with many crediting him for their decision to pursue coaching. His encouragement extended beyond the field, sending supportive texts before and after games, whether celebrating a win or lifting spirits after a loss.

Beyond coaching, Doyle loved to travel, fish, golf, and attend football games, especially if he had a grandchild playing or a grandson or son-in-law coaching. He cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He passed on his love of country music—particularly Bob Wills, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson—and shared his appreciation for Ray Charles, Dinah Washington, and Dionne Warwick and other musicians. He taught his children to waterski, fish, play sports, dance, and drive, and he ensured they had the opportunity to attend college. Doyle had a special way of brightening everyone’s days with his funny texts and warm hugs, always making sure his family knew they were loved and that he was proud of them.

Doyle is predeceased by his wife, Shirley Parker, his parents, John and Ruby Parker, and daughter-in-law Tonja Parker. The family takes comfort in knowing Doyle and Shirley are together again, likely dancing in heaven and watching over those they love.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Football Foundation-Texas Tech Chapter (Doyle and Shirley Parker Scholarship), the Red Raider Club, or a charity of your choice. To honor Doyle’s love for football and Texas Tech, attendees are encouraged to wear Raider Red black and red. As Doyle would say, “Suns Up, Guns Up.”

Doyle, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on October 7, 2024, in Lubbock, Texas.

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