David Smith Parker

David "Dave" S. Parker, age 85, passed away peacefully from natural causes on July 15, 2024, in Shawnee, Kansas. Dave was born on August 16, 1938, in Kearney, Nebraska, to Carl Leslie Parker and Louise Smith Parker. They moved shortly after to Flat River, MO. As a child, Dave spent much of his life out of doors. He took up Football, Golf, Hunting and Fishing. He became an Eagle Scout and when they moved to St. Louis, he played Football and Golf for University City High School. He went on to play Golf at Central Methodist University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Dave's life was marked by his profound passion for the outdoors, which influenced both his career and personal interests. His professional life included a tenure as a Professional at Ruth Park Golf Course, manager with Pacific Life Insurance Co., sales roles at Hoyt Archery Co., and Hodgdon Powder Co., and finally as the proud owner for many years of The Gun Shop & Rainbow Fly Fishing.

An avid golfer, hunter, archer, and fisherman, Dave found immense joy in these pursuits and in the company of his many hunting and fishing buddies. Pete, Craig, Gene, Lyle, Byron, Hank, and so many others. His life was truly blessed by the beauty and adventure of the outdoors. He was an active member of several organizations, including Kansas, Missouri, and Wisconsin Bowhunters and the National Rifle Association (N.R.A.).

In 1973, Dave met his wife Arlene and had many happy years together with friends and neighbors on their beloved Brookridge Drive in Fairway, KS. Dave was preceded in death by his cherished parents, Carl Leslie Parker and Louise Smith Parker, and his wife, Arlene Daugherty Parker.

He is survived by his sister Carlyn Parker of Denver, CO; nieces Kathryn Kloss Borghesi (Robert) of Tacoma, WA, along with their daughter Olivia Nodvedt (Jeff), and Karen Kloss Dewey (Calvin) with their children Andrew and Angelina.

Dave's extended family includes his stepson Bill Beck (Debbie) of Leawood, KS, and their children Courtney Beck Salome (Taylor) of Wichita, KS, and Parker Beck (Brooke) of Kansas City, MO. Additionally, he is survived by his stepdaughter Ann Beck Behner (Bob) of Leawood, KS, and their children Beck, Margaret, and Ella.

Anyone who knew Dave, or played gin rummy with him, knows he was possibly the luckiest man on earth. Struck by lightning, twice, and lived to tell the tale; he lived life on his own terms. Per his wishes, a private family service will be held to honor Dave's memory. His legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him and in the countless memories shared over a lifetime of outdoor adventures. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dave's name to a charity supporting wildlife conservation or youth outdoor education programs, reflecting his lifelong passion for nature and the great outdoors.