Howard Arthur Parker, a retired college professor and husband of Mary Agnes Jones Parker, died Wednesday at his home.

He was born April 14, 1930, in Proctorsville, Vt., the son of Lowell and Marion Parker.

He attended the University of Vermont and was a med-tech in the Air Force during the Korean War.

He graduated from the University of Washington with bachelor's and master's degrees and a PhD in sociology.

He taught at the University of Alberta, Arizona State University and the University of Hartford, where he was chairman of the sociology department.

He and his wife retired to Lexington.

He served as the first chairman of Lime Kiln Theater and was active in the Boxerwood Foundation and the Rockbridge Co-Op.

He is survived by two sons, James Howard Parker of Mount Pleasant, S.C., and Scott Kimbrough Parker of Lexington, and three grandchildren.

He is also survived by a brother, Stephen Parker and sister-in-law, Estelle Parker of Owens Cross Roads, Al.

Memorial services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, 2012 at Lexington Presbyterian Church with Dr. William Klein officiating. Memorials may be made to the Mary Agnes Jones Parker Memorial Fund 527 Fairfield Place, Lexington, VA, 24450.

Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.