Stephan Michael Parker

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Stephan Michael Parker, age 60, on January 8th, 2025, in Crystal River, Florida. Stephan was a devoted father, loving son, caring brother, cherished friend, and hero, who left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Born in Canton, Ohio, Stephan was the son of David and Shirely Parker. He was raised in Greensburg, Ohio, where he spent his days hunting and trapping, exploring the outdoors, and riding dirt-bikes with friends. Stephan was a caring and loving sibling who was known for his quick-witted humor and devotion to family.

Stephan graduated from Green High School in 1982 and achieved his Bachelor's degree in Business and Finance from Kent State University in 1986. While at Kent State, Stephan was a gymnast and Division 1 athlete on the co-ed Cheerleading team. Stephan worked in a variety of professional fields over his life and through the years built a reputation for his career in television production, owning his own production company, QPI Video Productions, based in Citrus County. He was also proud of his work as a radio personality on Citrus 95.3 where he was the morning show host. Prior to entering the production industry, Stephan worked as a foreign currency options specialist in Chicago and Philadelphia. Stephan will always be remembered for his hard work ethic, integrity, and humor in the workplace. His colleagues and clients alike will remember him for his genuineness, adaptability, and ability to connect with and share a laugh with everyone he encountered.

One of many noteworthy moments in Stephan's life was that of when he became a local hero at Kent State University. During an advanced lifeguarding course at Kent where he was a spectator, he spotted a person drowning at the bottom of the pool. Without hesitation and regard for his own life, Stephan dove into the pool in his full winter clothes and rescued and resuscitated the person before EMTs arrived. His quick actions saved the life of the person who was having an epileptic seizure during a water polo match. This was not the first, or last time, he would save a life as he was a lifeguard for 10+ years and made countless rescues. As a philanthropist, Stephan had a passion for public service. He served as the President of the board for the Citrus Hearing-Impaired Program Services (CHIPS) from 2000-2007. He also ran for the position of Citrus County Tax Collector in 2000. Stephan enjoyed spending time with family, riding and restoring vintage motorcycles, and preparing homecooked meals for his family. He also had a deep love for the Die-Hard movies, Orange Crush soda, and was a connoisseur of exotic coffees.

Stephan, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family after a courageous battle with a rare form of bone cancer. His warmth, sense of humor, and unwavering support will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Stephan's self-described most valued accomplishment was the role he served as a single father to his two children, Olivia J. Parker and Spencer D. Parker. Stephan, valued education and his life's goal was to ensure his children were able to receive higher education. His daughter will receive her Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from Spalding University this year while his son graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2022 where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology.

Stephan is survived by two children Olivia J. Parker, 27, and Spencer D. Parker, 24, his mother Shirley A. Parker-Kirkwood, his brother David J. Parker, and additional siblings. He was preceded in death by his father, David John Parker, his maternal grandparents Frank and Countess Wolfarth, and his paternal grandparents Walter and Una Parker.

A celebration of Stephan's life will be held on January 14th, 2025, from 12-3 at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home located at 3075 S. Florida Ave., Inverness, Florida 34450. Family and friends are invited to gather to share stories, remember the good times, and celebrate the life of a memorable man. The celebration and visitation will occur from 12-2 with a family and friends led service from 2-3 pm. An intimate burial will be held in Green, Ohio on January 21st at 1 pm, at East Liberty Cemetery located at 740 East Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, OH 44319.

As Steve would say, Yippee Ki Yay…