Pastor Thomas David Parker, 60, was promoted to glory on Friday, February 18, 2022 in Lexington, NE. He is survived by his wife Susan; children, TJ (Anna) Parker, and Tricia (Joe) Worsham; 6 grandchildren (Myra, Aunica, Thomas, Sheppard, Arya, and Leo) and his loving sisters, Nenia Henderson, Cate Reynolds, and Myra Parker and their families. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, David and Peggy Parker, and nephew Brent Reynolds. Tom was born in Placerville, CA, but considered his home anywhere he could serve his family, his community, and his Lord. He grew up as a pastor’s kid where his family lived in various places around the northwest. After high school graduation he moved to Colorado Springs, CO to attend Nazarene Bible College where he met his beloved wife Susan in 1984. They proceeded to raise their two children in Colorado Springs and begin their ministry together. They ministered through small groups, Royal Rangers, children’s ministry, and prayer ministry. After 28 years in the Springs, the Lord called Tom to be the pastor of the Berean Bible Church in Lexington, NE in 2018, where he fulfilled his lifelong dream of preaching. He also served in the community as a board member for the Parent-Child Center and the Lexington Ministerial Association and a variety of other ways. Tom’s life was marked by many hardships including a chronic illness called Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity Syndrome, which affected his quality of life, but never his expression of joy and passion for Jesus. He believed with his whole heart that Jesus came to die for his sins and give him eternal life and wanted to share that joy with everyone he could. While his body suffered, he was always able to share the good news with all of those who were blessed to be in his presence. Despite the difficulties, he never neglected doing what mattered to him: studying the Bible, spending time with his kids, grandkids, and extended family, as well as fishing, hiking, backpacking, square dancing with his wife, meat smoking, and ultimately ministering to all with whom he came in contact. He leaves this world with his favorite scripture on his lips: Philippians 2:12 (CSB), “Therefore, my dear friends, just as you have always obeyed, so now, not only in my presence but even more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Memorials are suggested to the family in his name for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. There will be no visitation or viewing. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, February 25, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Lexington Berean Bible Church with Pastor Felix Zaldivar officiating. Berryman Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.