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Davy Crockett Star Fess Parker Dead at 85

His character became iconic in the 1950s

By the Associated Press

Posted Mar 18, 2010 3:36 PM CDT
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(AP) – Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone star Fess Parker died today at age 85. Parker died of natural causes at his Santa Ynez home near the Fess Parker Winery, said a family spokeswoman. His death comes on the 84th birthday of his wife of 50 years, Marcella. Parker became every baby boomer's idol in the 1950s when he starred as frontiersman Davy Crockett.

Kids grabbed up lunch boxes, toy Old Betsy rifles, buckskin shirts, and trademark fur caps. The series theme song, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett," became a hit with its line "Born on a mountaintop in Tennessee." Parker also played Daniel Boone in the late '60s television show. He later became a developer along California's central coast and grew grapes for prize-winning wines.

Fess Parker is shown as Davy Crockett.
Fess Parker is shown as Davy Crockett.   (AP Photo/Disney)
A 2004 file photo of Fess Parker on his property in Santa Ynez, Calif.
A 2004 file photo of Fess Parker on his property in Santa Ynez, Calif.   (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, file)
In this July 1955 photo released by Disney, Fess Parker, center, and Buddy Ebsen, left, rehearse for the opening day telecast of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.
In this July 1955 photo released by Disney, Fess Parker, center, and Buddy Ebsen, left, rehearse for the opening day telecast of Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif.   (AP Photo/Disney)
This Oct. 23, 1965, file photo shows Daniel Boone star Fess Parker, left, and his stand-in, Carol Lynton.
This Oct. 23, 1965, file photo shows "Daniel Boone" star Fess Parker, left, and his stand-in, Carol Lynton.   (AP Photo/File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
Timinator2K
Mar 18, 2010 10:54 PM CDT
swimfin
Mar 18, 2010 10:54 PM CDT
Mr. Parker was a controversial figure in Santa Barbara County. Much villified for developing a massive hotel complex next to the beach in Santa Barbara, he was at war with local environmental activists at every turn. The complex is ugly, but everyone is accustomed to it now. Later, he attempted to sell a parcel of many acres in the nearby Santa Ynez Valley to the local Chumash tribe with the goal of expanding their casino holdings. The locals objected to this questionable use of their beautiful valley, and the deal eventually fell through. However, his luster as a "good neighbor" in the Valley was greatly tarnished by the effort. Having met him I can say that he was a congenial fellow though perhaps a bit more focused on acquiring wealth at the expense of his neighbors than they would have liked. RIP, sir. I hope your heirs keep the properties that you left them pristine and unspoiled.
Timinator2K
Mar 18, 2010 10:51 PM CDT
God Bless Ya, Dan. In your honor... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

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obituary • Fess Parker • Davy Crockett • Daniel Boone • Fess Parker dies

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