Lewis "Don" Donald Parker was born on August 30, 1956 to Lewis Parker and Norma Jean McCarter in Bakersfield, CA. He graduated from South High Bakersfield in 1975, and as a true cowboy at heart, Don had planned on studying veterinary science with a focus on livestock, however, on March 10, 1978, Don's life completely changed course and he made the most important decision of his life- he accepted Jesus Christ to be his Lord and Savior.

Don followed the calling to be a Pastor and he enrolled at Eugene Bible College in Eugene, OR. While living in Eugene, Don met the love of his life, Eva Houston. They got married on June 1, 1980. Don and Eva welcomed a son, Andrew, in 1981 and a daughter, Bekah, in 1982. Don spent the next 40 years in ministry- serving as a Pastor and Missionary in various capacities in California, Oregon, Virginia and Mexico. Don also served in the Oregon National Guard as a Chaplain and volunteered with various Veterans' groups throughout his life.

After retirement, Don devoted himself to being a Papa to his 7 grandkids, Samantha, Galo, Jack, Christian, Clara Joy, Jack, and James. Don was an avid Oregon Duck fan and never missed watching an Oregon football game. Don was nearly 46 years sober from alcohol and supported others overcoming addiction by facilitating Celebrate Recovery groups, until Eva's Alzheimer diagnosis in 2017.

In 2019, Don and Eva moved to Roseburg, OR to be closer to their daughter and her family. Don continued his calling of sharing the gospel and began a weekly church service at both Callahan Village Assisted Living and The Landing Senior Living, where he and Eva resided.

Don had many chronic health problems and was likened to a cat with nine lives. His quiet strength and stubborn positivity helped him continue to beat the odds but on February 25, 2022, Don's earthly body succumbed to renal failure and he entered the Eternal Gates of Glory.

Don will be greatly missed by his wife of 41 years, 8 months, 3 weeks, and 3 days Eva; his son Andrew and grandsons Jack and James of Vancouver, WA; his daughter Bekah, son-in-law Jason, and grandkids Samantha, Galo, Jack, Christian and Clara Joy of Winston, OR; sisters Debbie Williamson and Rachel Pinkney; step-mom Marion Schrock; longtime friend Buddy Sears; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dozens of Brothers In Christ.

Don is proceeded in death by his dad Lewis Parker, his mom and step-dad Norma and Burt Watkins, in-laws Roddy and Hazel Houston, sister Sheila Pruitt, brothers-in-laws Steve Williamson and Bob Pruitt and longtime friend Barry Brown.

Don will be most remembered for being a truly nice guy that was devoted to showing anybody and everybody the love of Christ through his actions. His family and friends will remember him for his fascinating stories, contagious giggle, his inability to turn down Biscuits and Gravy, his Coca-Cola addiction and his reverence for John Wayne.

Don's family would like to thank the staff of The Landing Senior Living, Bristol Hospice, Dr. Kumar and  Roseburg's DaVita Dialysis Center, Michael Graham, PA-C and the staff at Evergreen Family Medicine and Mercy Medical Center for taking amazing care of Don and supporting us as we said Goodbye. We are so blessed to have shared Don with you- thank you from the bottom of our hearts.