In Memoriam

H. Wayne Parker

APRA returns to the St. Francis County Museum a third time, and remembers one of Forrest City’s own.


Reports that the St. Francis County Museum is haunted, along with substantial evidence gathered on two other visits have brought the Arkansas Paranormal Research Association back to Forrest City for a third visit. Finding evidence of the paranormal is not the only reason for a third visit. Members of APRA found a new friend in H. Wayne Parker, former curator of the museum. When the group received the news of his passing, they wanted to do something to ensure that his memory lived on. Wayne’s passion for the museum and love of Forrest City was obvious to APRA members. His desire to find evidence of paranormal activity led to his being open to a visit from APRA.

September 2007 was the first visit from APRA, then in its first year as a group. The stories the group received from Wayne, along with Wendy Kittler, were riveting and included such things as visits from an anonymous female on the second floor; a rocker on the porch that rocked back and forth on its own; and a door that opened and closed on its own, although it was locked.
While APRA never caught any of this evidence on video or audio, there were enough personal experiences to warrant a return visit. Examples of personal experiences included an interactive “energy conversation” using a K-2 meter as the communication device, smelling smoke and having the smell dissipate as quickly as it appeared, and having another investigator hear a female voice call her name. Feelings of heaviness and cold spots were also experienced by the investigators.

Wanting more concrete evidence, the group returned in March of 2008. One investigator felt a touch on her forehead and arm this time around and EVP’s (Electronic Voice Phenomenon, where spirits communicate through recordings on electronic devices) were captured utilizing a ghost box device and digital recorders. The group had Wayne play an active part in collecting EVP’s since he spent most of his time at the museum. He got a couple of responses on the recordings, so his participation was valuable.

Wayne didn’t get to hear the responses received from his voice, or see the final report, as he passed away before the evidence review. The news of his death was unexpected and affected the group immensely. “We just wanted to do something to remember him by since he was such an open, giving person that made us feel so welcome when we investigated,” said Susan Andrews; Media Specialist for APRA. A plaque in his honor was presented to Shelley Gervasi at the group’s third visit to the museum on August 16th. Wayne will be remembered fondly by APRA members and his presence was most definitely missed at this investigation. Or was it?

Mr. Howard Wayne Parker, age 51, of Forrest City, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, in Rapid City, S.D. Mr. Parker was born Feb. 11, 1957, in Brinkley, the son of Howard Parker Sr. and Eloise Wiggs Parker. He was a member of the Forrest City Church of God and the curator of the St. Francis County Museum. He is survived by Mary “Mom” Parker of Widener; one brother, Ritchie Duplechien of Las Vegas, Nev.; three sisters, Anita Vandiver of Forrest City, Shelia Day and Barbara Duplechien both of Louisville, Kentucky and a host of other relatives and friends. A memorial service for Mr. Parker will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Forrest City Church of God with Bro. Chelch Reagan officiating. Morgan Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Francis County Museum or the Forrest City Church of God.