Employee of the Month: Dave Parker
Congratulations to Chaplain Dave Parker, employee of the month for December. We asked Dave to share a little bit about himself with the Salina Presbyterian Manor community.
Hometown: Grew up in Savannah, Missouri (Northwest corner). Migrated to Manhattan, Kansas, in 1980. Now live in Abilene and pastor the First Southern Baptist Church there.
School: Graduated from Manhattan Christian College in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science in management & ethics. Graduated from Liberty University in 2018 with a Master of Divinity.
Kids & Ages: James (37), his wife Emily (33); Larisa (33), her husband Steve (33) grandsons Lawrence (2) & Wells (1.5 months); Bethany (31); Josh (29), and his wife Natalie (26).
Pets: Harley, our wild and crazy cock-a-poo.
Favorite Sports Team: Whatever soccer team I’m coaching at the time. Also, Kansas State Wildcats (EMAW) & Kansas City Chiefs (it’s all about Mahomes).
Hobbies: Play a little guitar. Play a little piano. Love to sing. I’ve been collecting stamps since I was a kid.
Hidden Talent: With much work, I’ve trained myself to walk and chew gum at the same time. Actually, I had the lead role in my fourth-grade play. I was Hopagog, and I still remember my opening line and all the songs in the play. Not sure that’s a talent, but it’s definitely an oddity.
Fun fact: Never played soccer as a kid. Didn’t even know the sport existed. I began coaching when James was 7. Fell in love with it with my kids. I earned a National D level coaching license, and I’ve been blessed to work with kids from pre-K through high school. And as a grade 8 referee, I’ve worked all ages, even centered some K-State club games. Soccer would have been my sport as a kid if my school had offered it.
Why work at Presbyterian Manor? Totally a God thing. Love Jesus. Love people. When I went back to school for my M.Div, my plan was to be a chaplain. God’s plan was for me to be a pastor first. He grew me spiritually over the next four years, and I finally retired on Oct. 31, 2021, from my job as a credit manager. I saw this opportunity at Presbyterian Manor and applied. I guess God said, “OK David. Now you’re ready.” It has been a blessing.
What are you looking forward to? Honestly, I look forward to every day God blesses me with. I see it as another opportunity to serve Him. That, and coming home to my amazing wife Mari. Love her to the moon and back.
