Joshua Claude Parker

Joshua loved Jesus and his family more than anything. He was a wonderful, devoted husband. Josh loved his children deeply, including fathering a niece & nephew for several years, and most recently as a foster father. Despite his physical challenges, Josh lived life to the fullest. He loved to travel, especially to the UP and Florida, before relocating to Sarasota. Josh loved to work with his hands and created many beautiful pieces with wood working, knife making, and metal fabrication. He worked as a master fabricator for 24 years and took pride in his projects. He enjoy spending time with his family, including learning, engaging, & supporting their hobbies, such as video games, basketball, show choir, and dance recitals. Josh was an avid Trump and NRA supporter, loved to keep up with the news, and enjoyed learning about history. Joshua will always be remembered by his great laugh, his amazing personality, his sense of humor, his kindness and compassion, and most of all, his love for his family.

He is survived by his childhood sweetheart & loving Wife Tabitha Parker, children Matt, Abbi, & Mayah, parents Claude (Sherree) Parker and Christine Takala, Siblings Che, Jeff (Angela), Jennifer (Steve), Jamie (Ernie), Robert (Callie), Olivia (William), Sam, Nathan, and Jonah, and many nieces & nephews, as well as a large extended family.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Claude & Barbara Parker and Edward & Olive Takala.

Celebration of life will be held on Mar 19, 2020 at Sarasota Christian Church, 2923 Ashton Road, Sarasota, FL 34231. Visitation from 4-6pm, service at 6pm. Officiated by Lee Robison. Celebration of Life in Indianapolis, Indiana and Baraga, Michigan to be announced at a later date.

Although flowers are beautiful and appreciated, please consider instead contributing to a fund to benefit the family. Monetary gifts can be sent in care of Sarasota Christian Church (address above), addressed to The Parker Family or Tabitha Parker. This fund will assist with Joshua's children's education, as he was passionate about their learning, and any other needs that may arise.

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.