Johnny Blaine Parker was born on July 28, 1961, in Calusa Calif., to his parents, John Parker and Hazel (Smith) Parker. Johnny’s father and brother David have preceded him in death. Surviving Johnny is his beautiful bride of 42 years, Benita Parker; his mother, Hazel Smith; step-father, Basil Smith; daughters, Chrystal Parker, Misty Lara and Danielle Parker; and son-in-law, Omar Lara; grandchildren, Chandelle Parker and husband, Luke Butcher, Cole Brusseau, Treyton Lara, Justyce Brusseau, Jaylah Lara and Sylvia Lara; and great-grandson, Cyrus Brusseau. Johnny has eight surviving sibling’s and their spouses, Bea Robinette; Bob Parker and his wife, Linda; Danny Smith and his wife, Diann; Morgan Smith; Brenda Ward and her husband, Brian; Tim Parker and his wife, Jackie; and Mike Parker; and his beloved nieces and nephews. Johnny will be forever missed and his legacy will continue on through generations to come. Growing up, the Parker family lived in several different states. Johnny was known as a protector, he always wanted to be strong enough to protect the ones he was with. He was known to be hardworking even as a young child. He would often come home from working hay with a red face and exhausted, yet never complained. One of the favorite memories as a child is his love for butter. He was often caught eating a stick of butter and then as he got older, peanut butter. Johnny’s most monumental day was marrying his bride, Benita Collins, on Jan. 12, 1979. Johnny and Benita relocated to Washington State shortly after marriage, where they raised their three girls. Johnny spent his adult life serving the Lord and providing for his family. During their time in the state of Washington, Johnny served as a pastor for the Church of God. He and Benita served the church diligently as well as taking on the role of camp director and state youth ministry, in which hundreds of young adults were impacted by his leading. During their time in the camp ministry, Johnny was known for pranks and shenanigans all while leading kids to Christ. Johnny loved his family and always worked hard to provide for them. One of his greatest joys was taking his kids and grandkids on vacation, especially, to Disneyland. Every grandchild had to experience the happiest place on earth with Nan & Papa. In 2000, Johnny began working as a safety inspector and spent many years traveling the U.S. ensuring the safety of workers everywhere. Over the course of the last 20 years, Johnny advanced his career in safety inspections, planning and management. He worked many jobs such as safety planning for oil field workers, the renovation at the Smithsonian and the Pentagon, Las Vegas City Center and the Kennedy Space Center. Johnny and Benita started their own business and worked with various general construction companies throughout the U.S. Most recently, Johnny and Benita spent three years in Southern California while he worked at LAX as the Safety Manager for the new International terminal before retiring at their home in Seymour. Johnny’s passion for the Lord and his family has left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. He taught his family and those close to him to love fiercely and fervently. Love each other, love God and love Disneyland. He will be missed by many, but will be remembered by generations for his generosity, passion for life, jokes, random song writing, but most of all, for his love of others. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8. Funeral services for Johnny Parker were held Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, at 1 p.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with Pastor John Pace officiating. Song selection was “I Can Only Imagine.” Eulogy was read by Trey Lara. Special comments and scripture by Rick Bear, Jaylah and Sylvia Lara. Treyton Lara, Cole Brusseau, Luke Butcher, Joseph Collins, Omar Lara and Jerry Brewer served as pallbearers. Burial was in Stubbs Cemetery, Mountain Grove, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove. Memorial contributions may be made to Stubbs Cemetery in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
