Dean H. Parker

Dean H. Parker, beloved husband, father, and grand-father, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on August 20, 2009 due to heart complications.
Dean was born on April 11, 1931 in Mt. Sterling, UT, to Henry and Sadie Parker; the third of six children. After living in several towns in Northern Utah and Southern Idaho, the family settled in the Ogden area where Dean attended school, graduating from Weber High School in 1949. It was during his high school years that Dean met the love of his life and eternal companion, Marilyn Sessions. They were married on April 9, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple.
Dean had many passions throughout his life, including family, church, auctioneering, horses, and flying.
Dean was the father of seven children with 34 grand-children and 25 great grand-children (so far), and made it a point to include his family in his auction business, which is now being operated by his son Lane and grandson Jared, with great grand-sons already practicing their auction chants. His family was his pride and joy.
At a young age, Dean decided that he wanted to be an auctioneer and immediately after graduating from high school enrolled in auction school in Billings, Montana. Over the span of his career, Dean came to be one of the most sought after livestock auctioneers and horse experts in North America, often selling over 300 auctions per year. Tied closely to his auction business was his love of horses. Over the years, Dean owned and partnered in some of the most successful horse breeding operations in the country, owning several world-champion race and show horses. He was considered by many to be the top expert in Quarter Horse bloodlines.
Due to such a hectic schedule, Dean found it necessary to get his pilot’s license and thoroughly enjoyed flying his own planes. By the time his health forced him to give up his license and sell his plane, he had logged over 22,000 hours of pilot time and survived several nail-biting experiences, including landing a plane in Lake Tahoe.
Dean believed strongly in giving back to the organizations of which he was a part. He served for several years on the Board of Directors of the PCQHA and the National Auctioneers Association, eventually being elected and serving as President of the NAA. In 1994, Dean was inducted into the National Auctioneers Association Hall of Fame.
As part of his commitment to giving back, Dean ran for, was elected, and served as Cache County Commissioner in the mid 1980’s, and served as the Cache County Fair and Rodeo Manager for several years.
Dean was devoted to his faith. As a young man he served as a missionary in Hawaii where he grew to love the people of the islands and remained very close to many of the people he met there throughout his life. Shortly after returning from his mission, Dean married Marilyn and, shortly thereafter, was drafted into the US Army where he served for two years in Germany as part of the occupation forces along the Iron Curtain. Though it was a challenging time for them, Dean and Marilyn made the best of it and came away with many very fond memories, close friends, and a new appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in America. Dean was very grateful for the chance he had to serve his country and earned several awards and commendations.
Throughout his life, Dean served in several church callings including Bishop, stake mission president and numerous others.
After retiring, Dean and Marilyn served a Church Education mission in Honolulu, Hawaii and a Family History mission in Salt Lake City. While in Hawaii, they were able to work with many of the people, and their families, that Dean had taught and worked with while a young missionary. In all, Dean served six missions and enjoyed them all immensely.
Dean is survived by his wife, Marilyn, daughter Kina Adams (Jim) of Yucaipa, CA, son Lane (Susan) of Logan, son Blake (Cheryl) of Providence, daughter Tonia Prewitt (Larry) of Auburn, CA, daughter Shellie Pilkington (Ed) of Logan, son Kory (Dawn) of Lehi, UT, son Lance (Jennifer) of Logan, 34 grand-children, 25 great grand-children, one brother and two sisters.
He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Hospice Services for their kindness and attentive help.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 12:00 PM in the Logan Utah Stake, Stake Center Building located at 940 W Three Point Ave (Approx. 450 S.) Logan, UT. Viewings will be held Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Stake Center and again Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, prior to the service. Funeral Services will be under the direction of the Allen-Hall Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the IHC Hospice Services, LDS Perpetual Education Fund, or LDS Temple or Missionary Funds.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.allenmortuaries.net