Mark Steven Parker

Mark Steven Parker passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 13, 2018 while fishing the South Fork of the Boise River.

Mark was born September 23, 1951 in Salt Lake City, Utah, (the third of five children) to Ralph Willard Parker and Geraldine Leonard Parker. He grew up in California where he attended Goleta Valley Junior High School and San Marcos High School, graduating in 1969.

Mark married Lizetta Ann de St Jean on July 22, 1972 in Santa Barbara, California (sealed together in the Seattle Temple on July 17, 1984). On February 12, 1974, Mark enlisted in the United States Air Force, earning a number of awards and rising to the rank of Senior Master Sargent throughout his service. Along the way, Mark & Lizetta lived at Travis AFB, California; Hickam AFB, Hawaii; Castle AFB, California; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; and, Langley AFB, Virginia before retiring on September 19, 1996 at Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. After retiring, Mark pursued a college degree, earning not only his BS with Distinction in Human Resources Management from Park University (2001) but his MA in Education from Chapman University (2003). After 21 years living in the Tucson, AZ area, Mark and Lizetta relocated to Mountain Home, to spend the remainder of their retired years traveling, fishing and enjoying life together.

A very loving, kindhearted man, he was dedicated to his family, always putting them before himself. Mark was preceded in death by his father, Ralph; mother, Geraldine; sister, Cari; and, son, Jason (1996).

Mark is survived by his wife, Lizetta; daughters, Janene and Jennifer (Matt); four grandchildren, Alyssa (Ryan), Miranda (Eric), Sarah, and Kaelan Parker; three great-grandchildren, Douglas, Owen and Grayson; one brother, Jeffrey (RaNae); two sisters, Debby (Clyde) and Kelly (Paul); one half-sister, Barbara (Craig); and, many cousins, nieces & nephews.

The family would like to thank the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office; Fish and Game; Elmore Search and Rescue; Emergency Response Personnel; the fishermen who attempted to save Mark; and, the many other bystanders offering assistance to Lizetta during that time at the river.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 20, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 1150 N. 8th East, in Mountain Home, and followed immediately by dedication of Mark’s grave at Mountain Home Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel.