PARKER, Wade Scott

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona, Friday, August 23, 2013 Wade Scott Parker, born Oct. 30, 1990, in Prescott, Ariz., passed away June 30, 2013. He was raised in Chino Valley, Ariz., and graduated from Chino Valley High School in 2009. Wade was a motivated and driven young man. He loved competition and always gave 110 percent. Wade grew up an athlete, playing baseball and football from the time he was 5 years old. He won a championship in both Youth Football and Little League. He played shortstop and was captain of the Chino Valley baseball team. He earned numerous awards and was a four-year letterman in baseball, making the All State team. Wade went onto play at Lamar Community College on a scholarship. He also lettered in football, earning All Region every year he played. He holds the second-highest record at the school for most interceptions in one season and the second-highest interceptions in a career. His father was his hero and coached him for 10 years and was the influence that made him the great player he was. Wade loved the outdoors and hunting and began shooting a bow at the age of 2. He hunted with a traditional bow made by his father. He loved shooting the bow with his father, uncle and brother, and they did it quite often. His first job was at In-N-Out Burger in Prescott. It was his favorite place to eat and he would have done it every day if he could. Wade loved Jesus and was a great Christian man. Wade's favorite thing to do was worship Jesus. He loved to play the guitar and sing. He wanted to help lead worship someday and did sing sometimes on the youth worship team. He grew up very involved in church and was a mentor in his youth group and community. Wade's family meant everything to him, and he loved spending time with each and every member. His dad was his hero and he loved his mother and was teased about being a momma's boy but he didn't care. He would give her the biggest hugs and kisses anywhere, no matter where he was or who was around. He loved his sisters and brother so much and tried to look after them. Wade met the love of his life, Alicia Owens, in high school at age 16. They were like peas and carrots! Wade fell in love with her and her family immediately and respectfully asked her father if he could propose. He swept her away to Disneyland and proposed to her in 2012. They were to be married Oct. 19, 2013. His dream was to marry his high school sweetheart and have a big family. Wade wanted to be just like his dad and decided at a very young age to follow in his father's footsteps in the fire service. He joined the Granite Mountain Hotshots crew in 2012 and was Rookie of the Year his first season. He loved his crew like brothers and looked up to them. Wade was a devoted son, and soon to be husband, wonderful uncle and brother. He was a natural leader, he didn't demand respect but earned it. Wade was always there to help and mentored so many in our community. He was a man of honor and integrity and wisdom beyond his years. He had a beautiful smile and a great hug, and was a wonderful young man. He will be missed by all. We love you, Wade Scott Parker. Wade is survived by his fiancée, Alicia Owens; parents Dan and Michelle Parker; sister Amber (Toby) McMains; nephew Cayden McMains; niece Livia McMains; sister Carrie (Nicholas) Morena; niece Adele Morena; brother Danny Jay Parker; grandparents, Tom Parker, Diane and Leon Schlotterbeck, and Fonda and Vern Wegleitner; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Please visit www.hamptonfuneralhome.com to sign Wade's guestbook. Information provided by survivors.