Christopher John Parker was born and raised in Fairbury, Nebraska. Growing up, Chris loved tinkering in the garage with his dad, taking apart anything he could get his hands on, and hopefully remembering how to put it back together. He was a wizard with a toolbox and could pick up new skills at the drop of a hat. He loved his job as the shop foreman at FPM Metals, where his unofficial title was “Jack of All Trades, Master of None.”

Chris was a dedicated member of the Fairbury Rural Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years. He was inspired and honored to serve with his father, Darrell Parker, who died in the line of duty in 2014. Chris was very passionate about fire safety and was instrumental in relaunching the town’s fire prevention program, becoming the department’s public outreach officer. He especially enjoyed managing the Fire Prevention Week programs at the schools, which included a coloring contest with the grand prize winners getting to ride to school in a firetruck! Chris was serving as a captain at the time of his death.

Chris was a committed follower of Christ and was dedicated and baptized in the Fairbury Foursquare Church, where he became a member, served on the church council, and was the church’s sound tech. Chris loved serving the Lord anywhere he was needed. Anyone who knew him can attest to his dependability, generosity, and selflessness. When no one else answered the call for help, Chris was always there.

Along with his servant’s heart, Chris will always be remembered for his whip crack humor and fun-loving spirit. He loved fishing, camping, cooking on his Blackstone griddle, and making his wife happy with DIY around the house projects. Above all else, he loved God, his family, and serving on the fire department.

Chris married the love of his life, Sarah, in November of 2009. They had two beautiful girls, Gracie and Melodie, who had Daddy wrapped around their fingers. He also left behind many family members, including his mother, Kathy Parker; his sisters, Heidi (Eli) Rogers and Michelle (Steve) Novak; grandmother, Ramona Fischer; parents-in-law, David and Marsha Lutze; siblings-in-law, Rebecca (Neil) Stroklund, James (Paula) Lutze, Libby (Doug) Ewoldt, Mary (Alex) Jacob, and Naomi (Mitchell) Holt; and many nieces and nephews. All of his family are looking forward to seeing him again some day in heaven.

Chris touched the lives of so many people. He is truly missed each and every day.