David Lee Parker

David made the most of the life he was given and he saw something special in each new day. He lived his life with an optimistic attitude and always had a smile for everyone he met. He worked hard providing for his family with a faith that was easy to see. Dave was a loving a husband, father and grandfather. He was an inspiring role model for his family.
David was born on September 12, 1946 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the only son of Virgil and Jane (Brininger) Parker. From an early age it was clear that Dave was a family man, he loved his parents and sisters. Coming from the era he did, Dave loved car shows and the vehicles of the 50's and 60's and old tractors.
On January 10, 1964, he married the love of his life, Sally Sue Sherwood in Kalamazoo. They rounded out their family with two boys, David Scott and Daniel. Dave and Sally were long time members of the Kalamazoo Seventh-Day Adventist Church. The family always loved the water and everything that went with it, including all of the water sports, boating, water skiing, tubing, and swimming. In addition, many family and friends gathered for pot lucks, birthdays and holiday parties at the lake.  His favorite place was Mill Lake. He didn't only love the water, he loved nature in general. He enjoyed breathing the fresh air, loved the trees, the animals, from feeding birds to the deer and all the critters in between.
Dave knew how to seize the moment in every single day, and he knew to stop and enjoy the little things when he could like the clouds; the changing of seasons, fall colors and the sun sets over the lake, all reminders of our creator. At the family lake home, he enjoyed the flower gardens Sally planted. He enjoyed landscaping and a good outdoor project of which he did many. Nothing was ever too much work for Dave. He was a hard worker and that drive really shone as a home builder providing for his family through the years, retiring in 2006. He then became a partner with Sally in her adult foster care business. The residents loved him, especially his cooking, he was known for his wonderful, hearty soups.
Most of all he loved the lord and now he rests as he awaits the return of Jesus.
David  Lee Parker, 73, of Mattawan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 in his home.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Sally Parker, Sons, Daniel (Shelley) Parker and David S. (Rhonda) Parker, Grandchildren, David S. Parker, II, Jayne Parker, Jennifer Parker, Justin Parker, Joshua Parker, and Grace Parker. Sisters, Alice (John) Crimaldi, Darlene (David) Mahieu, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and other loving family. David was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Linda Petraitis.
Friends will be received at the Kalamazoo Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1601 Nichols Rd., on Sunday, October 20, 2019, from 1:00 pm until the time of service beginning at 2:00 pm with Elder Moise Ratsara officiating.