Former Renton council member dies

King Parker served in the council for three terms since 1995.

Former Renton councilman King Parker died Tuesday, May 2.

Parker served three terms on the city council for three terms since 1995. He also ran for mayor in 2003.

“Renton has lost one of the finest leaders to ever serve this community,” said Mayor Denis Law in a press release. “King Parker epitomized the meaning of public service and giving back to the community. As a successful businessman and dedicated elected official, King devoted his life to helping others, both financially and with his time. He served on numerous boards and commissions and rarely missed any meetings.”

“As a fellow business owner, his generosity inspired me; as a city leader, his tireless concern for our community amazed me,” said council member Armondo Pavone in the release. “King truly was a Renton treasure who made our city a better place to live.”

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Parker owned King and Bunnys Appliances on Northeast Sunset Boulevard. According to the release, he was involved in Renton Chamber of Commerce, Renton Rotary, Kiwanis Club of Renton and Salvation Army. He was also a mentor with Communities in Schools of Renton and a founding member of Renton Community Foundation. Parker was honored as Renton’s Citizen of the Year in 1999. Dec. 12, 2011 was proclaimed as King Parker Day in Renton.

UPDATE (4:40 p.m., May 4): A Celebration of Life event for Parker will be held 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 at Renton Pavilion, 233 Burnett Ave S. In lieu of flowers, Parker’s family has requested a donation be made to the Parker Family Memorial Fund. For more information, visit www.rentonfoundation.org.