Ed Parker

Fullback (1959)

Ed Parker grew up and attended high school in Leesburg, Florida.  He lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. He was also captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams.

After high school, he signed a Letter of Intent with the University of Florida, but ended up playing for the Red Ravens after a surprise recruiting visit from Coaches Dean Pryor and Bill Journey.  The friendliness, professionalism and enthusiasm of both coaches for CCC’s future football program convinced Parker that this was the place to start his college football career.

While at Coffeyville, Ed and his teammates had two highly successful seasons, winning the 1958 and 1959 Conference Championships. He got off to a fast start in his first college game by running off tackle for 48 yards on his very first play against rival Independence Junior College. During that same game, Ed had five punts averaging over 50 yards, with one punt going for 76 yards. His career at CCC was highlighted by his selection to the 1959 JUCO All-American Team, as fullback and punter, along with an invitation to play in the East-West All-American game in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Leaving CCC after multiple scholarship offers from several successful college football programs, Ed chose Florida State University to continue his football career.  While at FSU, he started as a fullback on offense and as linebacker on defense. A highlight at FSU was being named MVP in the game against the Florida Gators in 1960, a hard-fought, 3-3 tie game. During that game, Ed recovered two key fumbles, made a game-saving tackle, and blocked a key passing play. He was also deep man on two kick-off returns, fumbling twice, but recovering his own fumbles to advance the ball for additional yardage.  Following graduation from FSU in 1962, Ed had the opportunity to try out for several professional football teams including the Washington Redskins, San Diego Chargers, New York Jets and Green Bay Packers. He chose instead to join the USMC Officer Training Program.

While in the Marine Corps, Ed was selected by his command in 1972 to be nominated as one of only three Marine Corps Officers for the White House - Fellows Program (Aide to Vice President/Cabinet members). Ed served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam, a tour at the U.S. Marine Headquarters, Washington, DC, and later a three-year tour in the Pentagon, receiving various ribbons, medals and Letters of Commendation before retiring in 1986 at the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Since retiring from the USMC, Ed has worked with companies such as the Wall Street firm of Smith-Barney and All-State Insurance Company. He is currently a real estate broker for NC/SC and lives near Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and best friend Shirley. Ed has three sons - Mike, Dave and Steve - and six grandchildren.