SAN ANGELO, TX — The City of San Angelo recognized the late Fess Parker, a celebrated actor and native to San Angelo, with an official recognition honoring his life and achievements.
Parker, best known for his iconic roles as Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone, was remembered fondly by Mayor Brenda Gunter this morning at a City Council meeting.
According to the recognition, Parker was born on August 16, 1924, in Fort Worth, Texas, but spent his childhood and teenage years in San Angelo.
He attended Stephen F. Austin Elementary School and graduated from San Angelo High School in 1942. Parker was also a member of the Bobcat football team during his high school years. Following his graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
After his military service, Parker pursued higher education at Hardin-Simmons University and later graduated from the University of Texas. It was during his time at UT that Parker developed a passion for acting.
Parker’s acting career began in 1951, but his big break came in 1954 when he was cast by Walt Disney as Davy Crockett. His portrayal of the frontiersman captured the hearts of Americans, spawning a national craze and a merchandising boom that included "coonskin caps," "buckskin shirts" and a toy rifle called "Old Betsy."
In addition to his role as Davy Crockett, Parker starred in the popular TV series “Daniel Boone” from 1964 to 1970. His career also included notable films such as “Old Yeller.”
After retiring from acting at age 47, Parker embarked on a successful career in real estate development and ranching near Santa Barbara, California. Despite his busy career, Parker frequently returned to San Angelo for fundraisers, civic events, updates on the fine arts museum, which at the time was at the Ft. Concho Quartermaster building, or visits with family and friends.
Mayor Gunter quoted Parker from a news article written in 1963, where he praised San Angelo as one of the nicest and most resilient towns he had ever visited.
“After traveling around the country, I still think San Angelo is one of the nicest residential towns I’ve seen," he said. "It hasn’t changed essentially, I’m glad to say; but as usual, it looks like it could stand a little rain.”
Parker passed away on March 18, 2010, near Santa Barbara.
The recognition was intended to encourage all citizens to join in celebrating the achievements and the centennial anniversary of the birth of this outstanding citizen of San Angelo on August 16, 2024.
We also reported earlier that Parker will be honored by San Angelo with a film festival at Fort Concho on August 16.
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