Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother. Treasured pastor, professor, mentor, doctor, friend. But on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Gilbert Alan Parker fully grasped his greatest title when he saw Jesus and entered heaven as a Child of God.

Born November 6, 1943, in Olean, New York, Gilbert was the third of four brothers. In August 1965, he married Marolyn Sue Shaffer. They moved to Texas where he started his master’s degree at Dallas Theological Seminary. In 1970, they moved to Massachusetts where he began his pastoral years—ministering to three different churches over 18 years—Bible Baptist (Northampton), East Otis Baptist (Otis), and Grace Baptist (Springfield). He graduated with his Master of Arts in Biblical Studies in 1986.

In 1988, they moved to Johnson City, New York, to teach at Practical Bible Training School (now Davis College). He served in several roles during his time there, including Vice President of Academics and overseeing the school’s accreditation process. Some of his favorite classes to teach were Romans and Daniel/Revelation. In 1991, he began his doctoral studies, graduating with a Doctor of Ministry in May 1998 from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. His thesis, Standing in the Gap: The Work and Role of the Interim Pastor, was written out of his love of the church and vast experience, ultimately serving as an interim pastor for over 30 churches over the years. He also enjoyed ministering to countless people at retreats, conferences, and camps. Gilbert retired from Davis College in 2016, at which time the homiletic laboratory was named after him.

After retirement, Gilbert and Marolyn traveled the country in their RV volunteering and serving at multiple Christian camps. In 2019, God called Marolyn home to heaven after a battle with cancer.

In God’s perfect grace, Gilbert was reacquainted with Dianne Grosz, from his time at Grace Baptist in Massachusetts; she had also lost a spouse to cancer. They married in December 2019, and the travels continued around the country and overseas, including incredible trips to Israel and eastern Europe. They enjoyed spending time in their workshop making beautiful wood projects together. They also served in numerous volunteer ministries such as Camp Gilead, Africa Inland Mission Retirement Center, and Samaritan’s Purse. They invested time leading Grief Share groups in two different churches, passionate about helping others walk through grief as they had.

Gilbert enjoyed studying the Bible and sharing the Word whether teaching in the classroom or preaching from the pulpit. Those times led to many discipleship and mentoring opportunities which he enjoyed greatly. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing cornhole, wood working, reading, carpentry, volunteering, spending time with his family, and drinking a good cup of coffee.

Gilbert is preceded in death by his parents, Richard Parker and Estrelda Foster, and older brothers Richard (and wife Rita) and Gary.

He is survived by wife Dianne; brother Phil Parker; sister-in-law Cecelia Parker; children Alan Parker, Dyann (Robert Ritchie) Parker-Beckner, and David (Kristi) Parker; step-children Denise (Gabriel Nieves) Taylor, Jeffrey Taylor, Tami (Jon) Levesque; grandchildren Ben (Alexandra) Beckner, Katheryne (Paul) Jensen, Tori (Lucho) Ortega, Noah Parker, Micah (Hannah) Parker, and Kaylee Parker; step-grandchildren Mahlia (Luis) Reyes, Jonpierre Levesque, Alexandria Taylor, Dominick Nieves, Jayden Nieves, Shaleigh Levesque, Jessica Taylor, Justin Levesque; great-grandchildren Karl, Elliott, Sofia, Henry, Timoteo, Heidi, Kimya, Matilda, and Ana; several nieces and nephews; and countless brothers and sisters in Christ and children in love.

In lieu of flowers, gifts can be given to one of their beloved ministries.

• Camp Gilead. www.campgilead.com. 1445 Camp Gilead Drive, Polk City, FL 33868. (863) 984-1353.

• Africa Inland Mission Retirement Center. www.aimint.org/retirementcenter. 1000 Media Rd., Minneola, FL 34715. (352) 394-3518.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Parker family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.