Barry Richard Parker, age 64 of Prescott, died April 8th 2022 at United Hospital in St. Paul. Barry was born on June 11, 1957 in Anaheim, California; the son of James and Betty (Fleming) Parker. He was raised in Anaheim where he went to school. Following high school, he enlisted in the Armed Forces proudly serving in the United States Army at the end of the Vietnam War. While in California, he worked in the oil fields as a pipefitter. He moved to the area where he would meet his soulmate and best friend, Dawn Marie Leonard. The two walked down the aisle and shared vows on July 31, 1993 at the Methodist Church in Diamond Bluff. He worked at Treasure Island and Casino as a blackjack dealer. He enjoyed it very much as being around people brought him great joy. Whether deep-sea fishing off the coast in California or trolling down the Saint Croix River, fishing was a peaceful getaway. He enjoyed basketball at an earlier age, but more recently, loved the challenge of playing online RPG games. Being a gamer, he loved playing Mario Brothers, and Madden, and spread that love to his nephews. Nothing brought him more joy than having his family surround him as he loved to light up the grill or make his infamous chocolate gravy and biscuits.
Barry will forever remain in the hearts of his wife and best friend Dawn Parker; son Derrick (Heather) Sanderson, grandchildren Micah and Jonathan; brother Keith Parker, sister-in-law Deb Ryan, sister-in-heart Carolyn (Tim) Peters; nieces and nephews Carissa (Colin) Brown, Garrett (friend Katie) Ryan, Tara (Thom) Sprague; great-nephews Austin and Lucas and niece Teresa. His parents and four siblings precede him in death. Barry loved his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and often quoted his favorite scripture: “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
A Celebration of Barry’s life will be Thursday, April 14th from 3pm to 6pm with a service to follow at 6pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Prescott. Interment will be private. Memorial are appreciated to help with incurred medical expenses.
Services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Prescott, www.oconnellfuneralservices.com, 715-262-5404
