Jeffrey Lane Parker

Jeffrey Lane Parker, our beautiful friend, who touched so many with his infectious smile and piercing blue eyes, who always popped up in difficult circumstances with a mischievous joke or a well-timed compliment, who always made us laugh and always shared his generous, faithful spirit, departed this world on May 11th, 2026, after a long, difficult battle with Alzheimer’s.

Born March 14th, 1952, in Lajunta, Colorado to James and Nevada Parker, Jeff spent the majority of his childhood romping about the windswept prairies of Leoti, KS. Through his high school years, Jeff was a consummate track star, a dependable varsity basketball workhorse, moonlighted as a farmhand and cruised the streets with his friends and his brothers Steve and Ken.

Jeff, who Nevada once described as “a child without a single problem” and “a delight” lived a truly charmed childhood, full of love, community, family and laughter. After graduating from Wichita County High, he set off for Kansas State University, where he announced himself on the front steps of Sigma Nu fraternity house. Jeff knocked on the door and proclaimed his intent to join, whereafter the confused brother who answered the door informed him “That’s not how this works.” Jeff, always confident and always convincing, replied “Yes, but I’m here now, and I’d like to join.” The Sigma Nu brothers held an impromptu council and decided the audacious upstart was their kind of guy.

During his time at KSU, Jeff studied business, for which he would eventually earn a Bachelor’s degree and find great vocational success. His grades were, as Jeff himself would say “barely adequate” but his real passion was to be found with the Navigators, an International Christian Ministry where he met Jodi Kay Parker, a homecoming queen from Topeka and the love of Jeffrey’s life. On February 11th, 1978, Jeff and Jodi were married and thereafter found themselves bouncing between post-collegiate career work and their commitments to the Navigators. Life was wonderful and faith guided their choices. Family was in their hearts and on their horizons.

Jessica (“Tu-Tu”) was their first child. Kelly (“Blondie”) their second, and finally Brett (“Handsome”) his only son. In 2016 the Parker ranks grew to six, when Jeff and Jodi adopted their daughter, Queen. In Christ, Jeff found his foundation, soul and purpose, in family he found his heart. Jeff was eternally in-love with Jodi, an unfailing servant to her. To his children he was an indefatigable support and protector. His values and his faith were always out front, always unequivocal. Family was an unshakable priority, and he led that family with spiritual certainty, affection, an irrepressible sense of humor, and the calmest of dispositions.

Professionally, Jeff was a dynamo; with suave social skills and an inviting persona, he was a highly successful salesman for various medical laboratories, finally working his way up to Vice President of Sales for Clinical Reference Laboratory of Lenexa, KS. Privately, Jeff adored the outdoors. Any excuse (except camping!) to be outside was a good one. Digging, mulching, mowing, running, walking, sunsets, softball, building, tinkering with machines he had no business tinkering with, Jeff was affixed to the suburban outdoors. To that end, he was an avid runner; certainly every neighbor within a 10-mile-radius of the Parker home has a memory of Jeff burning through the local streets. In 2008, after finishing five preparatory marathons, Jeff met a lifetime goal, running in and completing the Boston Marathon.

Jeff is survived by his mother, Nevada, ever spunky and self-determined. His devoted wife Jodi now mourns him, while carrying forth the memories of his whole-hearted life and their radiant love. His children Jessica, Kelly, Brett and Queen, and Jessica’s husband William love him in perpetuity, and his grandchildren Lana, Cael and Amaya will never forget his engaging laughter or his playful spirit.

Jeffrey Lane Parker, you are loved beyond the years you were granted.

The family requests that memorial contributions in Jeff's memory be made to Joni and Friends. Joni Eareckson Tada founded Joni and Friends, and their mission is "We bring practical help and Gospel hope to people with disabilities around the world." Click Here to donate online.

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