Beloved Fort Worth Engineer L.A. Parker Dies at 92

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Lonzie Albert 'L.A.' Parker Jr., a longtime Fort Worth resident and electrical engineer who worked on high-profile defense projects at General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin for nearly 50 years, passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 92. Parker is remembered as a devoted family man, active community member, and skilled professional with a strong work ethic.

Why it matters

Parker's long career and contributions to major defense systems like the Radar System, Compass EARS, and AFEWS highlight the important role that Fort Worth-based engineers and companies have played in supporting the U.S. military over the decades. His life story also reflects the changing landscape of the city, from his childhood in the small town of Crockett to his decades-long tenure at the evolving aerospace firms in Fort Worth.

The details

After graduating from Texas A&M University, Parker began his engineering career at Sandia Laboratory in New Mexico before moving to Fort Worth in 1959 to work at General Dynamics, which later became Lockheed Martin. Over the course of his 50-year career, he contributed to a variety of high-profile defense projects, including work related to the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 1960s. Parker was also an active member of his local community, serving as an assistant Scoutmaster and participating in his church and engineering fraternity.

• Parker was born on March 30, 1933 in Crockett, Texas.
• He graduated from Crockett High School in 1951 as an honor student.
• Parker earned bachelor's and master's degrees in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University.
• He began working at Sandia Laboratory in New Mexico in 1957, before moving to Fort Worth in 1959.
• Parker passed away on March 9, 2026 at the age of 92.