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Daryl Parker, age 69, of Cincinnati, Ohio and a longtime steward in the Midwest who was the first Black steward in U.S. racing, died on Friday morning after a long battle with cancer that took his life.  He was born June 27 1951.

Daryl Parker worked most recently as a steward at Thistledown and Mahoning Valley racetracks in Ohio, though he recently took time off for treatment of his cancer. He was first hired as a steward in 1986 at Thistledown. He worked as a steward at all of the Ohio racetracks and in Michigan.

As a young man, Parker worked as an exercise rider for his uncle, the trainer Oscar Dishman, at River Downs, and as a jockey's agent. His uncle encouraged him to get an education before seeking a professional position on the front side. He got his first racing official positions at Fairmount Park and Cahokia Downs in Illinois.

In a 2011 radio interview with longtime Ohio racing publicist John Engelhardt, Parker said that he had to "work his way up" to his position as a steward and that Mervin Muniz, the longtime racing secretary at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans who would travel to Thistledown in the summer, encouraged him to keep working hard.

"Mervin just always told me, 'Daryl, keep it up and stay true to your convictions, speak up as you go, and be honest and fair,' " Parker said.

Parker said in the radio interview that he consistently communicated to riders and horsemen that as a steward, he would have an open-door policy.

"Make sure everyone knows you are there, and that you have an open mind," Parker said. "You're not intimidating people. You're saying, 'Come see us, come talk to us.' "

Visitation is from 2:00 pm until 3:00 pm followed by the masonic rites at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at the Bethel Baptist Church, 2712 Alms Place, Cincinnati  (45206).   The funeral service will immediately follow the masonic rites beginning at 3:30 pm. Everyone attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing

In keeping with the Covid-19 Pandemic restrictions masks are required in order to enter  the service and social distancing must be practiced.  Please be prepared to comply for the safety of all.

To share a memory of Daryl or leave a special message for the Parker family, please click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and to the right, enter the information, and click "Save Post."

Walker Funeral Home is honored to serve the  Parker family.  Please call (513) 251-6200 or visit www.WalkerFuneralHome.com for additional information.