After a battle with health issues, former Brenham Police Chief Ron Parker passed away on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the age of 65, information from multiple sources stated. Parker officially had retired from his role as Brenham Police Department’s chief in March, after serving in the role since March of 2020.
The city of Brenham released a statement on his passing on Monday afternoon. “[The city] extends our heartfelt condolences on the passing of retired Police Chief Ron Parker,” it stated. “His unwavering dedication to both the police force and to Brenham is something we will always cherish, [and] Chief Parker was not just a valued employee but also a dear friend.
” Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura shared his thoughts about Parker’s passing as well. “My deepest sympathy to the family of retired Police Chief Ron Parker who has passed away,” Kenjura said. “Chief Parker was an outstanding role model and was respected both by his fellow members of the police department and of our very own community.
His service and dedication will be missed.” Parker served in the United States Army National Guard in field artillery before joining the La Porte Police department in 1984, information stated. He was recognized as “Rookie Officer of the Year” in 1985, and transferred to the Criminal Investigations Division as a detective in 1986 before later being promoted to sergeant.
It was in this role he was awarded the Medal of Merit and the Medal of Valor. In 1997, he was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned as a patrol commander. Parker eventually made his way to becoming the chief of police in La Porte before leaving in 2020 to take the same title with Brenham Police that year.
After a distinguished 40-year career he retired from the police force in March 2024. Parker is survived by his wife of more than 43 years, Debbie, as well as his two adult children and multiple grandchildren. The announcement for his retirement came after he took a leave of absence following health issues in March 2023, as published by The Banner-Press at the time.
Parker was followed in his role by current BPD Chief Lloyd Powell, who shared his sorrow over the news of his mentor and friend’s passing. “It is with great sadness that I report that our beloved brother, retired Police Chief Ron Parker, has gone home to be with the Lord,” Powell said. “Not only was Ron a great mentor and chief, he was also a faithful husband to his beautiful wife, Debbie, and an inspiration to all.
The entire city of Brenham owes him a great debt of gratitude for his contribution to this organization as well as the entire community. “Chief Parker had a long and respected career in law enforcement. .
.. In four short years (in Brenham), Chief Parker made a permanent impact on the Brenham Police Department.
I would personally like to thank Chief Parker for his mentorship and for being my friend. He will be missed.” During the recognition of Parker’s retirement in March at a city council meeting, Washington County District Attorney Julie Renken, who also is retiring this year, had a few words of affection and gratitude for Parker, as published in a March Banner-Press story.
“I had the pleasure to help assist him in protecting this community, and it has been an honor,” she said. Calling Parker a “gentle giant,” Renken praised him for continuing to model himself as the “definition of a servant leader.” At the same meeting, City Manager Carolyn Miller commended Parker for assisting her in transitioning to her role as city manager and for the continued effort to “facilitate building relationships with the Brenham Police Department.
” Both women had assured Parker that his legacy will last and that he will be remembered fondly by those who have had the pleasure of working with him. On Monday, Miller said, “Chief Parker’s commitment to our community went above and beyond. He was a guiding light in our city, and his legacy of service and friendship will continue to inspire us all.
” A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cowboy Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sept. 4, at 10:30 a.m.
At the family’s request, Parker’s full obituary will be published in The Banner-Press in the Sunday, Sept. 1, edition..
