Carl A. Parker

Carl A. Parker (August 6, 1934 – March 22, 2024) was an American politician. He served as a Democratic member in the Texas House of Representatives from 1962 to 1977 and in the State Senate from 1977 to 1995. His tenure of service included time as Speaker Pro Tempore of the House and President Pro Tempore of the State Senate.

Senator Parker authored or co-sponsored more than 400 bills, which were enacted into state law. These measures include the establishment of Lamar University, Port Arthur; the Consumer Protection Act; Texas' First Industrial Safety Bill; the Education Reform Bill of 1984; the creation of the Texas Housing Agency; the establishment of the Port of Port Arthur; the Insurance Reform Bill of 1991 and the School Finance Reform Bill.

In 1979, Parker was a member of the Killer Bees, the group of twelve quorum-busting Democratic senators that hid out in an Austin garage apartment for 4½ days.

Parker died in Port Arthur, Texas, on March 22, 2024, at the age of 89.