UPDATED: Former legislator rushed to hospital
Friends say former Rep. Sherman Parker, R-St. Charles, has been rushed to the hospital after suffering what is believed to be an aneurysm.
Parker is in a drug-induced coma at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, according to Sen. Scott Rupp, R-St. Charles. A hospital spokesman said Parker is in critical condition.
Parker, 37, represented St. Charles in the House from 2003 to 2006, when he ran unsuccessfully for Congress against Rep. Todd Akin.
Earlier, Parker worked for several prominent Republicans, including former Sen. Jim Talent.
UPDATE from Jo Mannies, 10:30 p.m.:
State GOP spokeswoman Tina Hervey said tonight that, at the request of the family, she is confirming that Parker has been declared brain-dead. Preparations are being made for organ donations, in line with his wishes, Hervey said.
Our sympathies are with Rep. Parker’s family. As a reporter, I must say that Rep. Parker was always friendly, upfront and honest. He will be missed.


My thoughts and prayers are with you Sherman.
Likewise.
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I never got to meet Sherman, but I knew of him through friends. By all accounts, he was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. His family and friends are in my prayers during this tragic event.
Sherman Parker, may you soon rest in peace.
Godspeed
I met Mr. Parker when he walked my neighborhood, asking for my vote. He impressed me as an upright citizen intent on only going good in office. When I mentioned my political aspirations (as a member of the Libertarian Party) he was only supportive and kind.
He will be remembered well.
–Andy
I met him and voted for him against Akin. I thought he was a true bright spot in the GOP. This is so sad.
Sherman is my friend and more like a brother to me. I owe everything to him. He held my first fundraiser for me; he raised $3,000 for an unknown candidate in a race that I couldn’t win. He always made sure I had contacts and donors. When I wold go to Jefferson City his door was never closed. He made sure that when folks came to town that I was included. He had no reason to do this but it was his committment that African-Americans have a presence in the Republican Party. Yesterday was hard for me; to see my friend like this. When I got divorced he stood by me and gave me words of encouragement. He will truly be missed by me and my family. Thank you for being you.
Sherman and I came into the Missouri House together. We where both Republicans, however, we both voted the way we wanted to, not the way the party leaders wanted us to vote. As a matter of fact, we probably voted the same way 99% of the time. I will never forget one of the last conversations we had sitting outside of the State Capitol on a bench on a very nice spring day towards the end of the his last year in the House. We shared stories about why he was leaving the House and I understood his actions. Sherman was a good friend, someone who stood up for what he believed in, voted with his heart and had no problem telling you why. I will miss his smile and his sharp suits. God bless Sherman and all of his family, he will be missed!
Sherman was one of the quietest and nicest guys I ever worked with in the house. Very sad. My thoughts are with his family
Sherman Parker was one of the few Conservatives I knew who still had an ability to be frank and open when he realized injustices needed to be addressed. He had a warm and decent personality that prevented you from disliking him. His ability to remain respectful in the face of serious political disagreements will be missed!
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Sherman Parker. I served in the State House with him. Although we were on different sides of the isle we respected each others views, he even introduced one of my bills for me. I found him to be kind, loving, humble, and willing to fight for those who were less fortunate. He always had a smile and was always willing to help. It didn’t matter what party he was with. I had great respect for him as a colleague and as one who helped carry my bill in Jefferson City. Sherman will be missed by many.
Sherman and I have been friends since we were in the Deseg program back in the 6th grade at Mackenzie Jr. High in the Affton School District. I’ll always remember him as someone who did what he wanted to do, despite what others thought of him. Which is probably why he chose to play soccer instead of basketball or football, like the other black students. We had most of our classes together and often stayed after school together in High School because I was a cheerleader for his soccer games. Years later, our paths kept crossing, but I remember him introducing me to someone and saying, “Tishaura was the only person who was nice to me when we were in school.” He was a good Black man who loved his family and cherished his daughter. He’ll be truly missed.
A real shocker. Very, very sad news. I did not share his political views particularly. He was a jouster and good to debate and trade ideas with. Always good-natured. A good guy. This passing is just one of those things in life I would never understand and would always have a difficult time coming to terms with. Heartfelt condolences to his family. RIP
Sherman Parker was a outstanding student and athlete. He was the kind of person who always cared about the interest of his fellow students. Following graduation from Affton High School, Sherman, by way of an athletic scholarship, continued his education at the University of Vermont. After completing his education in Vermont, Sherman went on to excel as a leader in business and politics. Sherman was the kind of gentleman whose integrity was above reproach. He was a dear friend and I’m sure will indeed be missed by all who knew him. My condolences are extended to the Parker family.
Joseph Scoggin
Retired Affton High School Guidance Counselor
Sherman was my cousin, I loved him dearly. I will miss him so much. He was my 2nd father he was there when I was born, he has always been to every single one of my birthdays. I LOVE HIM SOOOOO MUCH. I just want everyone to remeber the good man he was and what he stood for. Sherman will love you forever and make you proud.
This is without a doubt the toughest comment that i have ever had to write considering that I can say without a doubt or reservation that Sherman Parker was, is and always will be my best friend and brother. A little over 5 years ago Sherman and I met and a friendship was forged that not even death will stop. As I sat at Barnes today talking to my brother I knew he heard me even though the world would say that he had already passed to the other side of the veil. Sherman will reside in all the countless hearts and minds that he crossed wether in politics or everyday life. I am honored to say that my congressional campaign was one of his final projects and though we didnt move on to the general election, we had a victory nonetheless and when i run again in 2010, he will be my inspiration and my angel above watching over and making sure we get our total victory! I promise my little niece Alex that the dreams and desires your father had for you will be achieved because the spirit of Sherman resides in us all and we are here for you as he would expect and demand us to be. Ladies and Gentlemen, a great man has passed from the mortal realm to the beyond and while we all mourn for his passing we will always know that a part of him will be with us always as we honor and cherish our memories, our moments both good and bad and our friendship with the great El Jefe, Sherman Parker. I love my brother and dedicate all future campaigns that i will run in and win to his memory and his commitment to our great Nation. Godspeed and I love you Brother Sherman
I met Sherman almost 8 years ago and we have been friends ever since. I was privileged to help run Sherman’s first campaign. He was the kind of person that would do anything he could to help his friends and he helped me a lot along the way.
We had a lot of great times together. In fact, it was through Sherman that I met my wife. We are about to have a baby boy. When I called him to give the news, he sounded just as excited as I was. I knew how much he loved Alex because he talked about her, with a big smile all the time.
Sherman was my friend and I will miss him so much.
Andrew Mundwiller
Sherman Parker, my ‘lil Brother, my friend, I never have met a brother, so up close and personal, that loved the crazy life of politics as much as Sherman Thompson Parker. He was a torch, a firestarter. He was his own man, a man’s man, a leader. He was not a “Yes” man. He followed his own heart and desires. He had his own plan. I met Sherman Parker in 2002 when the Boone CO Republican Party came after me to run for State Representative. Sherman, packed up “His Boyz” and came to Columbia and knocked on doors and worked hard on my campaign. Encouraging me every step of the way. I didn’t win the political race, but came out the winner anyway…I had Sherman Parker as a friend…just talked to him last week…we kept it real in our communication.
He loved his daughter, Alexandra…please support her and her family by donating to her college fund.
Republican politics will not be the same without him stirring things up! I miss you, Sherman! God bless your family and close friends.