WILLIAM "PARKER" P TYSON

William P. Tyson “Parker”, was born February 25, 1943 in Jefferson, Texas.  The only child born to Amber L. “Doll” Tyson and W.P. Goynes, Parker, was raised in Hootsville, a small town in rural east Texas.  Like most black boys during that time, education took a backseat to supporting the family and after only a few years of school, he began working on the family farm alongside his grandparents, uncles and aunts. Eventually seeking more opportunities, Parker moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he would start a long life of entrepreneurship, family and a quiet but meaningful contribution to his community.

July 4th is a day he often spoke of because this is the day on which he remembers arriving in Kansas City. Once settled, his uncles and he, often referred to as “the Tyson’s”, began working in the construction industry, eventually forming their own company and ultimately becoming one of the most well-known names in construction in Kansas City.  It was with them that he perfected his skills leading him to form T&H Construction Company in the sixties.  For the next 5 decades he would employ a diverse workforce of black, white, brown, men and women, giving opportunity to those seeking work or needing help getting back on their feet.  Parker, a quiet man of meager education and means managed to create a legacy that many continue to benefit from today. In the Greater Kansas City Area, you can’t mention concrete or construction without Parker and the Tysons immediately coming to mind.

Parker also loved nature and agriculture.  This passion led him to purchase a farm in Holden, Missouri in the seventies. Most evenings and weekends you would find him planting and cultivating crops and raising livestock.  On off seasons, he would harvest its trees, selling it to families and businesses throughout the area. The farm would become a viable source of food, commerce, recreation and support for his family, immediate and extended, and our community.

Parker departed this life on Thursday, August 13, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. His mother, Amber “Doll” L. Tyson, father W.P. Goynes and two siblings, preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories devoted wife and friend, Doris and their sons, Craig and Carey (Yolanda); daughters Helen, Rosalind and Kelly; son Dennis; grandchildren Tiana, Shayla (Dormic) and Tyler and great-grandson Jayce.

Service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2020 3 pm at Watkins Heritage Chapel, visitation 1 pm. Interment in Brooking Cemetery.

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