Judge Parker was born on December 19, 1870, in Venango County. He attended Oil City High School and Princeton University, then received an LL.D. from Grove City College. After graduation, he returned home and taught mathematics in Grove City schools for two years.
Judge Parker was admitted to the Venango County bar in January 1895. He was elected judge of the Court of Common Pleas in 1925, then joined the Superior Court in 1932. He served in this capacity until his resignation on December 11, 1940.