John Parker Obituary

I have enjoyed Jack's friendship for over forty years and I plan to continue that tradition. Many times, Jack made his season tickets available to my family during Cub and Cardinal series, so as he put it, "my little scrubby", my son, could come to St. Louis and see his Cubs and get a great burger. Remember lots of antique deals and good times and shared knowledge with Jack over the years. This one truly hurts.

knew Jack for many years from his great restaurant and seeing him at Fairmount Park race track. He loved horse racing. Jack will be missed.

A great loss to many of us who had the distinct pleasure of knowing and working with Jack. His wit, knowledge, and good advice, will be missed.
The last time I saw him, just a few weeks ago, he inscribed a copy of the book of Gaslight Square photos from back in the day: "It was fun while it lasted." That familiar phrase now has extra resonance, for the duration.

Such sad news. Jack's creations, the pub and the Indian wares upstairs, have had a deep impact on my life. I made many friends and memories, and an developed an ongoing love of Southwestern culture and art. I live there today. My sympathies to Fred, other family members, and all the staff, past and present. I fondly remember it all.

I first met Jack in 1968 in his pub. We did business together with Indian arts and crafts. We became friends! If you ever saw the black and white photo of the closed O'Connell's on the wall of his shop I took that and gave it to him as a gift. One day after more than a decade after meeting, Jack moved in to his 'new' home one house away from me and my family. We became neighbors and better friends. No better man has ever lived than Jack Parker.

There will never be another Jack Parker. He was just too special of a man. Gave me my first waitress job at O'Connell's during Gaslight Square period. I didn't know one beer from another and didn't drink. Working with Jack, Nora and Joe changed my life forever. So many memories over the years. He was so proud of his kids as they grew up and he made our friend Mary Ann very happy. He will be missed by many people he touched.

I first met Jack Parker, my brother in law, one evening at OConnells Pub along with my husband (his brother Fred Parker). We were all partying and Jack and I started dancing right there in the middle of the restaurant. Fred said you cant dance in here and Jack said we could do anything we wanted to and turned the background music on high and partied on down. It was great. Jack was a great brother in law and always treated me well. I loved his unique laugh. I will miss hearing that and that moustache. One of a kind. A gentle man. Great in business. His eyes lit up when you mentioned horse racing. Loved the ponies.
I remember him telling me about TINA TURNER singing at the pub on Gaslight Square until she got too expensive and that OConnells Pub is the only business left from the Gaslight Square era. What an accomplishment.
A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. Jack will be missed by all his family and friends and business associates. A great void in a lot of hearts. Go in peace Jack. Go rest high on that mountain your work here is done. Join your parents, brother and sisters and celebrate. Hold a dance card for me. I love you Jack. Will miss you, Sandy

Well ,you sure did have a great run. Never met a finer fellow Jack, and hope to see you at the big track in the sky someday....

A finer man you'd never meet. My favorite Jack Parker story was taking my kids to Fairmont Park (wife was out of town) and sat with Jack for the first race, we screamed loudly as the Monster came across for the win. Jack turned to my two little ones shouted with excitement; "you kids wanna get in the picture?" After a quick pic in the winners circle, a thunderous storm hit and racing was suspended for the evening.
What a kind soul ! - Requiescant en Pace, Jack Parker!

I've known Jack for 44 years, as a business associate, friend, and mentor. His friendship, memory and O'Connel's are woven into my life. I remember when Johnny's snake took up residence under the hood of the Hill family's car. I was there working on Jack's house. RIP Jack.

Cap'n Jack you are a treasure and will be sorely missed.

Last year we went to OConnells and enjoyed two fantastic hamburgers. Afterwards we went upstairs to see Jacks antique store. We discovered Jack working at his desk and a few copies of his book A Gaslight Square Portfolio He was very kind and autographed a copy for us and added it was fun while it lasted.

Jack Parker...My Date and Escort for The Snowbal Prom...1955? Jack and John Dee, Gayle Tibe and me listening to Jazz...Later...after Highschool (Cleveland) came Gaslight Square. Gayle owned The Dark Side...we still shared our Love for Jazz....and I will always cherish our Love for One Another....

Jack was a good neighbor for over 20 years. We shared many a front yard conversation. He could be quietly reticent or sometimes quite verbose on a variety of topics. We watched the kids grow, helped each other with the pets(including Johnnys snake that took up residence under the hood of our car), and offered neighborly support when we lost our respective spouses.
Thanks, Jack. Go in peace.
Janet Hill

There was only one Jack Parler

Jack to me was a part of St. Louis history we will miss him dearly . I told him years ago I thought that moving to Shaw was a bad idea from the old gaslight area shows what I know!

Jack rest in peace, you had great run. Now you and John Dee can bet on that sure thing,you guys ALWAYS promised at Fairmont in the 60's.

Jack was a very dear friend to me and my brother Ran Harris. He always had a large smile when he seen me. Jack was a shy man but knew everyone. He told me to listen what was being said and keep my mouth shut I would always learn more. Rest in Peace my sweet friend.
Mary Ellen Cox

Jack has been on my mind these last few days. Im remembering mostly how he would double over in laughter and how he glimpsed you just before he hit you with an unexpected comment. He was wise and kind, a little unpredictable, and very good to me and my family. I will never forget him, and I am forever grateful for his friendship.

Jack Parker will be missed by many. His good nature, and good advice, was always welcome.

My condolences to Jack's family and friends. I knew Jack from his restaurant and also seeing him at various antique shows. I believe we first met in the late 1970's. Always a very interesting person to talk to, and a great guy.

Wayne Rosenthal (Saint Louis, Missouri)