Obituary for Kevin Lee Parker
Kevin Lee Parker, 63, of Biloxi, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on June 1, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Vearl and Maxine Parker. He is survived by his sister Sondra (Marc) Caillavet, his two brothers, Fabian Parker, Dwayne (Charlene) Parker, and his sister-in-law Donna Parker; nephews, Colin Caillavet, Joshua Caillavet, Jeremy (Melissa) Parker, Lucas (Jamie) Parker, Bobby Parker, Jesse Parker, nieces, Saybhr Caillavet, and Alice (Will) Roebuck, as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.
Kevin’s passion of shipbuilding and resolving maritime technical issues propelled him through the ranks of his career for the past 4 decades of his life; beginning as an Electrical Designer to finishing with the title of Principal Marine Engineer. His abilities ranged from designing to constructing and producing US Naval Surface Ships. His efforts positively impacted numerous ship classes including AFS, LCAC, T-AGS, CG47, DD963, DD993, DDG51, LPD and LHA. His professionalism and expertise are still recognized by Naval personnel and civilians whom he helped mentor and support throughout his career. Many once young naval civilian and Navy personnel whom Kevin helped mentor and support, now occupy senior leadership positions in the U.S. Navy and Shipbuilding industry. He never accepted failure and pursued technical solutions with a determination that was recognized in over a dozen commendations from the U.S. Navy and the companies he represented. One theme runs through each of these citations including “outstanding, exemplary, excellence”, etc. One of those read “Most Valuable Player (MVP) for trials readiness”. Kevin’s Excellence Award for LPD 19 included a personal note from Vice Admiral Galinis, Commander of NAVSEA, and at that time Captain Galinis stated, “Thanks for the great job you are doing on the LPD Program.” One of his awards was for his work on LPD 21 USS New York which was built with a bow stem consisting of steel from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. His most recent citation for work on LHA 7 USS Tripoli stated “your expertise and level of support in finding a path forward for the Ship Service Diesel Generator critical issue is commendable. Your commitment to finding an adequate solution to this issue was fundamental to the success of the trials.” This award was received over two years after his battle with cancer began. It is fitting that his career culminated in assisting in the delivery of the LHA 6 USS America which recently joined the fleet. Kevin’s contributions will live on in these ships which have a service life expectancy well into the 2050s.
Although Kevin was a workaholic, he always enjoyed a good day of fishing with friends and watching sports of all kinds.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kevin’s name to Saint Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville.
Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Vearl and Maxine Parker. He is survived by his sister Sondra (Marc) Caillavet, his two brothers, Fabian Parker, Dwayne (Charlene) Parker, and his sister-in-law Donna Parker; nephews, Colin Caillavet, Joshua Caillavet, Jeremy (Melissa) Parker, Lucas (Jamie) Parker, Bobby Parker, Jesse Parker, nieces, Saybhr Caillavet, and Alice (Will) Roebuck, as well as numerous great nieces and great nephews.
Kevin’s passion of shipbuilding and resolving maritime technical issues propelled him through the ranks of his career for the past 4 decades of his life; beginning as an Electrical Designer to finishing with the title of Principal Marine Engineer. His abilities ranged from designing to constructing and producing US Naval Surface Ships. His efforts positively impacted numerous ship classes including AFS, LCAC, T-AGS, CG47, DD963, DD993, DDG51, LPD and LHA. His professionalism and expertise are still recognized by Naval personnel and civilians whom he helped mentor and support throughout his career. Many once young naval civilian and Navy personnel whom Kevin helped mentor and support, now occupy senior leadership positions in the U.S. Navy and Shipbuilding industry. He never accepted failure and pursued technical solutions with a determination that was recognized in over a dozen commendations from the U.S. Navy and the companies he represented. One theme runs through each of these citations including “outstanding, exemplary, excellence”, etc. One of those read “Most Valuable Player (MVP) for trials readiness”. Kevin’s Excellence Award for LPD 19 included a personal note from Vice Admiral Galinis, Commander of NAVSEA, and at that time Captain Galinis stated, “Thanks for the great job you are doing on the LPD Program.” One of his awards was for his work on LPD 21 USS New York which was built with a bow stem consisting of steel from the World Trade Center after the 9/11 attacks. His most recent citation for work on LHA 7 USS Tripoli stated “your expertise and level of support in finding a path forward for the Ship Service Diesel Generator critical issue is commendable. Your commitment to finding an adequate solution to this issue was fundamental to the success of the trials.” This award was received over two years after his battle with cancer began. It is fitting that his career culminated in assisting in the delivery of the LHA 6 USS America which recently joined the fleet. Kevin’s contributions will live on in these ships which have a service life expectancy well into the 2050s.
Although Kevin was a workaholic, he always enjoyed a good day of fishing with friends and watching sports of all kinds.
Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kevin’s name to Saint Vincent de Paul Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D’Iberville.