Lloyd Byron Parr, 92, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at his home. Lloyd worked for the Missouri Department of Transportation from 1974 until his retirement as Aviation Director in 1997.
Lloyd proudly served his country in both the United States Navy and United States Air Force. He served as an Aircraft Mechanic while in the Navy and as a Surveyor, Draftsman, and Engineer while in the Air Force. He retired from the Air Force as a Master Sergeant in 1973.
He received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017 from the Missouri Airport Managers Association (MAMA) for his strong contributions to Missouri Aviation. Most notable was his work to help establish a protected State Aviation Trust Fund with dedicated funding from state taxes on aviation fuel sold in Missouri. This system remains in place and benefits all Missouri airports to this day. He was also instrumental in Missouri joining the State Block Grant Program.
Brian C. Weiler, Director of Aviation for the Springfield-Branson National Airport, and former aviation director himself, shared that Lloyd was a strong mentor to him and took a chance on giving him an internship with the MoDOT Aviation Section in 1989. “That helped me get started in an industry I love,” said Weiler. “I had the thrill of being with him in the side gallery of the Missouri House Chamber when that body approved dedicating Jet Fuel sales tax into the State Aviation Trust Fund. I was honored years later to take his job when he retired in 1997 and we have remained friends since. We spoke every so often and he always wanted to hear the latest about Missouri Aviation.”
SAJ Publisher Kim Stevens said, “Lloyd was one of the first state aviation directors I met when I was first appointed director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics in 1992. Lloyd was incredibly helpful and insightful as I tried to navigate an industry that was new to me.”
Condolences may be left online for the family at www.millardfamilychapels.com.
