Kenneth Parker

Ken Parker returned to his loving Heavenly Father on August 14, 2024, just one day after being diagnosed with a severe and rare progression of the cancer he had for the past three years.

Ken was born on November 4, 1955 to Don Elden and Leah Mary Parker, the sixth of nine children. Growing up in Burbank, California, he loved listening to Dodgers baseball games, driving race cars in quarter midget races, and working hard delivering newspapers. His parents owned a candy shop and he would often help his family with their business, including fulfilling orders of 10,000 candied apples each February. His family moved from Burbank to Utah County when he was a teenager.

He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. When he was 16, he was assigned to home teach with his father. It didn’t take long for him to love his monthly visits to see the Thomas family, especially their beautiful daughter, Laurie. Before long, he and Laurie would regularly walk around the track at the nearby junior high school. He took Laurie on her first date on her 16th birthday, and they continued to date until he left on his mission.

Ken served faithfully in the Belgium Brussels mission, including in the mission office, first as a finance clerk and later as an assistant to the president. He had many wonderful experiences that shaped the rest of his life and set a tone for his future service to the Lord.

Not long after he returned from his mission, Ken and Laurie were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple. Every year for the next 40 years, they would gather their entire family to the Provo Temple grounds for a family picture. Throughout his life, Ken loved attending and serving in the temple.

Laurie was his eternal love. They loved spending time together. They had a model relationship based on a deep love for each other and for Christ. They were blessed with eight children, who grew up and married wonderful spouses. The kids turned to Ken often for advice and support. He always managed to call at just the right time when they needed him most. He had the gift of healing his children’s heartaches. He taught them what is right and where to turn for guidance on matters of eternal importance. He was very proud of each of them.

They were also blessed with 37 precious grandchildren. Ken was a fun and sometimes silly grandpa who loved playing with his grandkids. He developed a relationship with each one in unique ways, and they will all miss their amazing grandpa.

Ken was a hard worker. He worked for several years as a finish carpenter with his brothers David and Donnie. He took pride in working efficiently with a high degree of craftsmanship. He used his carpentry skills throughout his life to help many people. Later in life, he obtained a real estate license and worked selling homes and developing websites.

He was always physically active and naturally good at sports. Until the last few months of his life, he often did over 100 pushups per day. He and Laurie were dedicated walkers at their neighborhood park. They also traveled together often. They went on many trips to Disneyland with their kids and grandkids, making wonderful memories. They recently returned from a dream trip to France and Belgium.

Ken loved Jesus Christ and devoted his life to His service. His assignments in the church included serving as a missionary, scoutmaster, stake mission leader, bishop, stake president, and patriarch. With Laurie he was a service missionary and Sunday school teacher. He could expound on scripture stories and make them personally meaningful and could regularly be found studying the scriptures. Throughout his years of service, he gave countless talks and lessons, sharing his testimony of Jesus Christ. He had a very personal relationship with the Savior. He loved the Lord and considered Him his friend. Giving his life to the Lord and encouraging his family to do the same was one of his greatest priorities. He left a legacy of faith for his family and many members of his community.

Ken is survived by his best friend and eternal companion, Laurie, his children Ryan (Jaime) Parker, Brad (Tess) Parker, Valerie (Paul) Young, Kellie (Joe) Hubbard, Stacie (Joseph) Noall, Christie (Matt) Moriarty, Matt (Jenn) Parker, Natalie (Parker) Jensen, and his 37 precious grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters Jennilyn (Keith) Mauerman, Don (Nancy) Parker, Beverly (Steve) Chapman, Barbara (Julio) Rodriguez, Leahmary (Ballard) Pead, David (Diane) Parker, and Amelia (David) Irwin. He is preceded in death by his parents Don Elden and Leah Mary Parker and his sister Judy. Ken’s family takes great comfort in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and in the promise of a resurrection, when the Parker family can be united again and be together forever.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024 at 11 a.m. Viewings will be held on Sunday, August 18 from 6-8 p.m. and the following morning from 10-10:45 a.m. All services will be held at the Kearns Central Stake Center at 4575 W. 5415 S. Kearns, Utah.