Gabriel Newby Parker

Gabe Parker passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, following a long illness. Arrangements are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 1, 2025 from 6pm to 8pm at Wise Funeral Home. The funeral service will be the following day at First Presbyterian Church in Bonham at 1pm with burial following at Bettes Cemetery.

Gabe was a savvy businessman with a magnetic personality who lived life with passion and infectious optimism. Born to resilient educators in Fannin County, growing up Gabe was an Eagle Scout and played football for Denison High School. After graduation, Gabe went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science degree from North Texas State University with a minor in Computer Science. After college, Gabe went to work for Arco Oil & Gas Company in Dallas, where he worked his way to executive level management while obtaining his Masters in Business Administration. Always busy, even on the weekends, Gabe leaned into his family heritage in farming and passion for ingenuity to pursue winemaking, planting his first vineyard on his family homestead in Ivanhoe in 1980, starting the longest running winery in North Texas. By 1994, Gabe transitioned from corporate life to focus on running Homestead Vineyards & Winery, Inc., his pride and joy. Gabe was equally passionate about furthering the Texas wine industry, mentoring numerous small winery startups and serving actively with the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association.

While in college, Gabe met the love of his life, Barbara and they married in 1973. Together they had and raised three wonderful children, Emily, Rebecca, and Gabe III, and in his later years he loved doting on his five beautiful grandchildren. Gabe led a full and ambitious life, and his love and affection for his family and friends sustained his boisterous character and boundless energy. He left an indelible mark of optimism and affection on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but forever cherished through his many legacies.

Surviving family members: wife, Barbara Upton Parker (married June 16, 1973); daughter, Emily McRoberts (husband Chris); daughter, Rebecca Ingram; son, Gabriel Newby Parker, III; grandkids, Isaac, Elliott, Oliver, Upton and Emerson. Twelve brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.

Predeceased family members: father, Everett Parker; mother, Ruby Parker; sister, Margaret Dozier, sister Evelyn Bledsoe, brother, Rod Parker.

Education: North Fannin Elementary School; Denison High School Class of 1969; Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics with a Minor in Computer Science, and Master of Business Administration from North Texas State University.

Career: Arco Oil & Gas (1973-1991); Owner/CFO Owens-Parker Medical, Inc. (1994-2024); Owner/CFO Homestead Vineyards & Winery, Inc. (1989-2024) and Ivanhoe Ale Works (2015-2024).

Member of First Presbyterian Church, Bonham, TX (1994-2024)

Gabe was a member and past President of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association - long serving on the TWGGA Legislative Committee; Proud supporter of the Lake Fannin restoration effort, past member of Bonham Kiwanis Club, Bonham Chamber of Commerce and Denison Chamber of Commerce. Eagle Scout at age 13 and prolific mentor for numerous Eagle Scout Projects through 2020. Adjunct professor of Wine Law for Grayson College.