Obituaries

David L. Parker, PhD

David L. Parker, PhD, native of La Porte, Indiana, graduate of Purdue University and long-time biology professor, passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on August 11, 2022, in his home of Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

 

Born to John and Helena Parker in La Porte on September 19, 1941, Dave graduated from La Porte High School in 1960, earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in 1965, a Master of Science from American University in 1969, and a Doctorate in Philosophy from the Catholic University of America in 1984.  At Purdue, he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

 

In 1971, Dave embarked on a career of teaching as a biology professor at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, Virginia, and then joined the biology faculty of Broward College after his move to Fort Lauderdale in 2002.  He also authored a book on general biology lecturing and co-authored laboratory manuals on anatomy and physiology.

 

He is predeceased by his partner, Harold “Hank” Henry; his parents; and his sister, Susie. He is survived by his loving sister, Sherry (Bill) Benner of Indianapolis, Indiana; a brother, Robert (Judy) Parker of La Porte, Indiana; nieces, Allison Tolson of Wheatridge, Colorado and Ashley Parker of Indianapolis, Indiana; and nephew, JB Glossinger of La Porte, Indiana.

 

A caring, compassionate person, Dave was tremendously active in both Alexandria and Fort Lauderdale, serving in a variety of roles for various community service and outreach organizations.  In Alexandria he served on the Community Services Board and was active in organizations assisting those with developmental disabilities.  In Fort Lauderdale, he served as President of the Sailboat Bend Civic Association and was on the boards of the Council of Fort Lauderdale Civic Associations and the Historic Preservation Association.  He provided care to HIV and cancer patients, volunteered at a food bank and thrift store, ushered at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and was a founding board member of the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum.  In 2016, he was nominated for the Fort Lauderdale Rotary Club’s Community Hero Award.

 

Dave cherished annual Purdue football weekend reunion trips – Boiler Up – and holiday journeys spent with his sister and family in Indianapolis.

 

Dave was a man of his Catholic faith and treasured his relationship with the St. Anthony Catholic Church family.

 

Dave was outgoing, gregarious, engaging, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends and activities.  As a professor, he was demanding – no shortcuts in his classes – but caring and fair to his students.  He was a collector of many things, including pottery.  Dave never met a garage sale he didn’t like.

 

A Celebration of Life will take place in Fort Lauderdale at a time and place to be determined.

 

Dave’s remains will be interred in a family plot at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte, Indiana.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

 

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church Education Fund, 901 NE 2nd Street, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301 or to the Fort Lauderdale Fire and Safety Museum, 1022 West Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Dave’s life, or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.

 

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