John David Parker

John David Parker, of the Old Union community, passed away at Scott and White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco on Monday, February 16, 2026, at age 76.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Groesbeck, with Visitation beginning at 10:00 am. and the service at 11:00 a.m., with Dr. Keith Collier officiating.

David was born on September 26, 1949, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Dave Alfred Parker and Maggie Juanita (Davis) Parker. He was raised in Atlanta, Georgia as a young child, and attended Georgia Military Academy through fifth grade and then Ben Lippin High School where he graduated. He enjoyed basketball and mainly soccer while in college.

David received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Education in 1971 from Columbia Bible College in Ashville, North Carolina and was a certified teacher. He worked at an airport to pay for classes and became a certified pilot in 1973 and was a member of the U. S. Parachute Association.

David was an outdoorsman, and after he completed his education, he was very active in many activities including snow skiing, water skiing, scuba diving, and weight-lifting. At age 40 he competed and won the Championship in Wyoming for “dead-lift.”

In 1993, when David transferred from his job in Wyoming to Hobbs, New Mexico, he met Linda Klipstine King through the church, and they were united in marriage. They moved to Limestone County, Texas when he was transferred again in his work with Mitchell Energy/Devon Energy. David retired in 2015.

He liked doing yard work and after his retirement, he volunteered as grounds keeper at First Baptist Church in Groesbeck for some years.

David’s true passion was working with and ministering to children. David and Linda taught Cubbies and Sunday School classes at their church for 33 years, from the youngest ages to the teens. He was a master with hand puppets and performed his “Surprises for the Eyes” tricks to go with the Bible lessons, and they also tied balloon animals to create more fun for the kids. One year they taught in 5 separate Vacation Bible Schools during that year.

David and Linda became foster parents and provided a loving home for children as young as 14 months old. He was totally involved with their care, along with Linda. They permanently adopted four children in 2000.

David was always studying and learning new things. He liked to go to the gym to maintain his health and play golf. David was a quiet and kind man who loved people and gave generously of himself to many.

David was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Steven Griffin.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Parker, and 9 children: John Samuel Parker and wife Kamil Parker, Kailla Parker, Felicia Parker, Emily Parker, Liana and her husband Brian Robinson, Megan and husband Lee Hartvickson, Heidi and husband Chris Belle, Danna and her husband Dale Duke, and Vickie Chapman; and there are 27 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Deborah and Les Nelson; brothers-in-law, James Klipstine and Jerry and wife Kathy Klipstine; and nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of David are suggested by the family to be made to the Building Fund at First Baptist Church of Groesbeck.