John Robert Parker

John Robert Parker, 75, passed away peacefully in Saratoga Springs, Utah, on February 6, 2026 surrounded by his family.

A lifelong learner with a meticulous eye for detail, John was happiest when creating with his hands. This passion began in childhood with air-brushed model cars and evolved into the complex artistry of rigging model sailing ships. Over the years, he mastered many arts from leatherwork to stained glass. John especially cherished the time spent woodworking with his father, a craft that grew into a business. In recent years, he operated a cedar outdoor furniture company, where he enjoyed the social atmosphere of home and garden shows and the challenge of creating custom pieces for others.

Music was John’s enduring passion. Though he began with the clarinet and bassoon, he possessed a rare natural gift, allowing him to pick up almost any instrument and play with proficiency. He passed this love down to his children, supporting them through years of marching band at his own high school alma mater. Later in life, John earned a teaching degree to share his musical knowledge with students of all ages. Within his faith community, his favorite service was playing primary songs for the young children, where his music could brighten their day.

As a teenager in Southern California, John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was deeply moved by the doctrine of eternal families, a message he shared while serving as a missionary in Germany from 1972 to 1974. After meeting during a dance class at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, John was sealed for time and eternity to his sweetheart, Mary Anne Glade, on March 14, 1975, in the Manti Utah Temple. Together, they welcomed eight children into their family, and took immense pride in their 28 grandchildren.

John has now been reunited with those who preceded him in death: his beloved wife, Mary Anne; his father, Webster John Parker; his brother, Richard “Joe” Parker; his daughter, Angela Parker; and 2 grandchildren.

He is survived by his mother, Mary Alice Parker; his brothers, Jim Parker and Jay (Mary) Parker; many nieces and nephews; and seven of his children: Shalynn (Stan) Nelson, Danielle (Logan) Underwood, Rick Parker, Holly (Nolan) Tolman, Beth Anne Parker, Brianna (Steve) Stapley, and Merridee (Jacob) Adams, along with 26 grandchildren.

Services

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Larkin Mortuary Chapel (260 E South Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111). Family visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 am. Interment will follow at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

For those unable to attend in person, services will be streamed via Zoom. Please use the “Watch Services” link above; a Zoom account login is required for viewing.