Obituary of Michael Thomas Parker

Mike Parker, 58, went to be with his precious Lord and Savior on April 17, 2009. He is now with his beloved wife, Teresa Lynn Parker, who passed away in December 2001. One of Mike’s great joys was in singing worship songs to his Lord; he and his friends would agree he enthusiastically made a “joyful noise unto the Lord”! Mike was born in Tacoma, WA. He graduated from Stadium High School and joined the United States Army serving during the Viet Nam war. After returning from his time in Viet Nam, he attended Green River Community College, where he graduated with a degree in Air Traffic Control. After obtaining this degree, Mike worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) for 16 years as a painter. After leaving his position with PSNS, Mike became a certified as a coating inspector by the NACE (National Association of County Engineers). All his life, Mike was a real people person. In the last few years, his job took him to many job sites throughout the United States, where he had the privilege to meet many of his dearest friends. Wherever he went and whatever he did, Mike made many friends both in the workplace and in his church life. One of the greatest pleasures in his life was his relationship with his children. He loved each one for their uniqueness and enjoyed any moment he could spend with them. April, Amber, Sean and Jenny brought a great deal of joy to his life. Mike was an avid golfer and actually made a “hole in one”, and he rejoiced in the fact that his accomplishment was published. Mike had a unique gift for recalling and telling jokes; he brought his particular brand of humor with him wherever he went. Mike enjoyed his time on the Internet, staying abreast of the current news, both Christian and secular, and he also enjoyed playing a mean game of cribbage, as well as ‘forwarding’ his favorite jokes to friends through email. Mike is survived by: his mother, Marjorie Voice; his children April Scrattish, Amber Scrattish, Sean Scrattish and Jennifer Parker; his siblings Joyce Parker, Nancy Parker, Susan Murphy, and Gary Parker; and a multitude of nieces and nephews and their families. Mikey, you are loved and will be greatly missed by your family and friends! The Memorial service will be held Friday, May 15th from 11am to 1:30pm at Northwest Foursquare Church, 34800 21st Ave SW, Federal Way, WA 98023 The funeral will follow at 3pm at The Tahoma National Cemetery, 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, WA 98042 The family would like to have guests share short remembrances or anecdotes about Mike at the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, remembrances are suggested be made to The Seattle Cancer Treatment & Wellness Center 900 SW 16th Street, Suite 100 Renton, WA 98057 or to your favorite charity. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008