Scott S. Parker

Scott S. Parker, age 76, of Savanna, Illinois and Pine Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 11, 2025, at his home in Savanna, surrounded by the love and care of his family.
Born on May 24, 1949, in Frankfort, Indiana, Scott was the son of Henry B. Parker, Jr and Carol (Fruth) Parker. He graduated from Urbana High School with the Class of 1967 and went on to pursue an impressive academic journey-attending Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana; studied a semester in London England; Stanford University in California, where he earned his master's degree; and finally, the University of Iowa, where he completed his doctorate in education.
Scott began his career in Iowa, working at a home for individuals with disabilities. He later worked for Arthur Andersen in Chicago while living in Geneva, Illinois. His professional life took him to many places, including Atlanta and Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where he worked for the company Human Kinetics. In 1998, Scott purchased a home on Pine Island, Florida, where he found both peace and inspiration.
Scott's personal life was marked by an enduring love story. He first met Nancy Meade in middle school in Urbana, Illinois. They became close friends and dated through high school and early college. Life took them in different directions for many years, but fate brought them back together in 2001. Their bond rekindled and they were married on December 4, 2004. Through this union, Scott also gained a daughter, Kaitlin, who was 16 at the time. Their connection became something truly special-so much so that Kaitlin often joked she had attended "Parker University," a tribute to Scott's profound influence in her life. She remembers seeing pictures of him from her mother's youth and thinking, "I wanted to meet that man, but didn't know we were going to keep him."
A man of quiet passions and sharp intellect, Scott was an avid reader who enjoyed biking, golfing, music and photography. He could be reserved, yet he was always direct, honest, and deeply thoughtful. His creativity flourished in his photography, transforming moments in his backyard into award-winning works of art. Above all, Scott was a kind and generous spirit-always willing to lend a hand to a friend, neighbor, or stranger in need.
Scott is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Parker of Savanna; his daughter, Kaitlin (Rob) Gilliland of Savanna; his sister, Anne Parker of Tallahassee, Florida; and his niece, Sara Brierton of Cary, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister, Susie, and his twin sister, Melinda.
Scott will travel home to his midwestern roots. A graveside service will be held at a later date, with burial of his ashes alongside family in Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview, Illinois.