Bruce David Parker

Bruce David Parker passed away on March 19, 2026, after a long battle with many health issues. He was born January 26, 1959, in Logan, Utah, to Dave & Wyoma Parker. He married the love of his life, his eternal companion, Janalee Holt, on December 21, 1982, in the Provo, Utah, Temple. They have two daughters: Heather and Krystyl Parker.

He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings throughout his life. He served a mission in the Massachusetts, Boston mission, which covered many of the eastern states at that time. His church services included Married Student Stake Missionary Leader, frequent stints as Gospel Doctrine teacher, Elders Quorum President, Counselor in the Bishopric, and Bishop, but his favorite calling in the church was teaching Gospel Doctrine. His love for the gospel showed in his words and actions, and in the knowledge he gained and shared. His faith in God and Jesus Christ was strong and steadfast. He never wavered in his conviction that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

Bruce obtained his bachelor’s degree at Brigham Young University in Microbiology. He then went on to earn his master’s degree and his PhD in Molecular Virology at Utah State University. Following this, he worked for a few months in a lab at USU, then worked at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in London, England. Two years later, he was invited to work at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He enjoyed doing cancer research, but his heart led him to a teaching position at Utah Valley Community College, which he helped grow into Utah Valley University. He was well-versed in microbiology, cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics.

He loved his family so much and enjoyed camping, fishing, rockhounding, family vacations, and other activities with them. He was a cheerful person with a great sense of humor, who enjoyed making people laugh.

Later in life, due to numerous health complications, he was unable to serve as he would wish, but he did as much as he could and strove to visit with and encourage others. His main goal in life was to bring joy into the lives of others, especially his wife, Jan.

He is survived by his wife, Janalee Parker, daughters Heather Parker and Krystyl Parker, and sisters Becky (Parker) Wheeler and Shaula (Parker) Holt. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dave & Wyoma Parker, and his sisters, Laura Jo (Parker) McKamey, and Jill Parker.

An evening viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6-8 pm at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 965 West 2000 North, Orem, with a viewing held that morning at the church from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, Utah.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE

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