Officials react to former Rep. Parker’s death
As of this morning, various Missouri public officials have issued statements lamenting the passing of former state Rep. Sherman Parker, who died today after suffering a brain aneurysm on Thursday.
Political Fix will add to this list as we get the statements:
State House Speaker Rod Jetton, R-Marble Hill
“I was shocked and saddened to hear that Sherman Parker has passed away. Sherman was elected in November 2002 and came to Jefferson City as a member of the history-making new majority. Sherman stood up for his beliefs and worked hard for his district.My prayers go out for the Parker family and we all mourn for the loss of a son and family man at such a young age.”
State Treasurer Sarah Steelman
Sherman Parker was an outstanding person and friend. He always stood up for what was right, regardless of the consequences. He truly cared and worked for those who were in need of help. Sherman wasn’t interested in the easy way and was usually swimming upstream against the powers that be, and always fighting for the people. He did so with grace and courage. I am honored to have called him my friend and he will be missed by all who knew him.”
Stacey Newman, Executive Director
Missouri Women’s Coalition
We are saddened to hear of the death yesterday of the former Rep. Sherman Parker (R-St. Charles). Sherman represented the 12th district from 2003 until 2006 when he ran for the 2nd congressional district on the Republican ticket.
We worked closely with Sherman in 2004 when he sponsored domestic violence legislation (HB1274). A true friend, Sherman stood up to the NRA which actively fought the bill and fellow Republicans who insisted that domestic violence is just a myth.
The bill, which has also been sponsored by Sen. Joan Bray continuously since 2004, passed out of committee but never made it to the House floor for a full vote. Sherman told us as we lobbied hard for the bill’s passage that he was very shaken by an incident that happened to his sister. He wanted to insure that no other woman in Missouri would ever be in the same situation, fearing for her life in a domestic incident with a firearm present.
Sherman will be missed – as a friend and compassionate legislator against domestic violence. We send our condolences to his family.
Sherman was one of the most effective and passionate leaders in building unity and inclusion within the Republican Party of Missouri. After winning his seat in a heavily white majority district, Sherman became the first African American Republican elected to Missouri’s General Assembly. Experiencing discrimination first-hand, Sherman made the fight for inclusion and equality a focal point of his tenure in office. In 2006, Sherman left the Missouri Legislature to challenge an incumbant Republican Congressman in the Republican Primary. Although Sherman was unsuccessful in his quest, his Congressional bid sent a clear message that intolerance would be met with strong opposition.
As a consultant to Sherman’s Congressional Campaign and a former lobbyist in the Missouri General Assembly, I had the honor to work closely with him both professionally and on a personal level. It was always clear that Sherman’s values and convictions guided him throughout all of his endeavors. He was an inspirational leader and a man of true character. Sherman’s death is a great loss to all who knew him and he will be remembered as a person who knew what was right and most importantly, would stop at nothing to achieve the same.
Charles Stadtlander
Immediate Past President
Log Cabin Republicans of Greater St. Louis
Sherman Parker was a great personal friend and public servant for the State of Missouri. My prayers and condolences go out to the Parker family. I have known Sherman for a long time and he was always concerned about making the St. Louis region a better place. Sherman helped anyone and everyone he could and enlisted others to do the same. Sherman Parker was one public servant that truly embodied the “Honorable” title that is given to elected officials. Sherman was known for keeping a positive attitude and being a true pleasure to be around through any situation This is a tremendous loss for the State of Missouri and St. Louis region. I will definitely miss by brother and there are not enough words to convey how much.
Peace and Love Always,
Joseph Palm
26th Ward Committeeman
D-City of St. Louis
I was fortunate enough to work with Sherman when I did a stint as an intern for Sens. Bond and Ashcroft about 10 years ago. Sherman was always kind, funny, and above all, a man of integrity. He always placed the needs of others far above his own, and I will always look back on the time we worked together fondly. May God Bless and watch over him. He was a shining example and made in impact on everyone that was lucky enough to come on contact him. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace.
Matt Hay
Councilman, Ward 1
City of Arnold, Mo
I’m deeply saddened to hear about the untimely passing for a dear old friend, Sherman Parker. What I’m about to say will come as no surprise to the Parker family and those that knew my friend, “Sherm” as I called him.
Sherman was a wonderful person and I had the opportunity to meet him when he first worked for Sen. Kit Bond. Soon thereafter Sherman began working for Rep. Jim Talent and we became quick friends. Sherman’s values, true republican values, were well taken in a political landscape filled with good ole boy politics. Sherman had an uncanny ability to cross party line and solve problems. I’m sure it one of the reason the residents of St. Charles County voted him into office as the first black republican representative in their area.
Although Sherman was unsuccessful in his bid for US Congress, he raised several good points - those that knew him knew he’d have been an excellent leader.
Strangely, while sitting at home about 3 weeks ago, I received a call from Sherman; we’d lost touch over the years and he wanted to reconnect. We spoke about where he was working, what his future aspirations were (yes, a statewide run was on his mind) and just generally caught up. Shortly thereafter we set a date to continue the discussion over a few drinks for next week as our schedules did not permit us to meet sooner. Ooh how I regret that decision. I regret it because I’m selfish.
You see, Sherm could always tell a great story. He’d have you sitting on the edge of your seat wanting more and just when you thought it was over, another story would come rolling in. Not only were the stories entertaining, they were pertinent, thoughtful, and real. Sherman, aside from being an outstanding member of the community, a successful legislator, and a political powerhouse, was a great storyteller. I wanted to hear more stories. I wanted to say “I was there” or “I was a part of that”. Sadly, I’ll never get the chance again.
Sherm, you’ll be truly missed. May God bless you, your family, and all of us for our loss. You were an inspiration to us all.
Stephen Mastin, II
Former President of the St. Louis Area Young Republicans,
Political staffer,
and Your Friend
St. Louis, MO
I knew Sherm a long time and he was always gracious, funny, and kind. What everyone else wrote before me says it all, but let me just add that he was one of the originals, and his death is a loss for us all. God Bless You Sherm.
Sherman Parker was a outstanding student/athlete and Affton High alumni. 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 will indeed be missed. Joseph Scoggin-Retired Affton High School Guidance Counselor
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Sherman’s passing. I enjoyed working with him during the legislative session of 2003-2004 and he was an outstanding member of the House. I will pray for his family and I will miss seeing him again.
- Greg Williams
Kansas City, MO
I ran Sherman’s campaigns until his congressional challenge in 2006. I can say that I have never known anyone in politics to have more personal charm and charisma than Sherm. Upon hearing the news, I thought of the hundreds of adventures we had in politics and in life.
He made history as the only African American EVER elected in St. Charles County. He stood up to leaders of his own party to fight to protect Medicaid, the Civil Justice system, and Stem Cell Research. However, knowing him better than most others, I will tell you that his proudest moment was the birth of his daughter Alexandra. I am so sorry for her loss, her father was a remarkable man and admired by so many.
It is very hard to come to terms with his loss.
I just returned home from the hospital. As they wheeled Sherman away, to donate his organs, I couldn’t help but think that even in his death he is serving others. He is the best friend any person could have his committment to this area and this state should never be forgotten. He has been a real example for us and we should all consider ourselves lucky to have known Sherman T. Parker.
I met Sherman Parker shortly after he was elected to the Missouri House. Mr. Parker was a thoughtful, intelligent and good hearted person.
Sherman Parker reminded me of the story of when the prophet Samuel found David to be the new king of Israel. Samuel chose David because he had a good heart. Go with God, Mr. Parker. All the best to Mr. Parker’s family.