Daniel Miles Parker of Foster, WV, was born Aug. 18, 1950 and passed away on Apr. 11, 2026. He was the son of the late George Miles “Jack” Parker, Jr. and Dorothy Parker of White Sulphur Springs, WV.
In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 47 years, Barbara Parker; brother, Neil Parker; niece, Madison Parker; and brother-in-law Wayne Bradford.
Dan is survived by his children, Steven Parker (Arminda), Amanda DeFede (Michael), and Christopher Parker (Jessica), along with his grandchildren, Alina and Alex Parker; Mariella, Christiana and Liliana DeFede; and Charlotte and Nolan Parker. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Glenn and Pam; Bennie and Vivian; Keith; and GP and Deb, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The strong bond between Dan and his brothers was a great comfort to him during the difficult years after Barbara’s passing.
Dan was a devoted husband and father, who set an enduring example for his children. He enjoyed learning for the sake of learning, always seeking out knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. Dan was also a prolific writer, often writing poetry and capturing stories from his childhood. Above all else, Dan built his life on the foundation of his faith in Jesus.
Dan pursued his education at Potomac State and West Virginia University, graduating with a BS in Forestry in 1973. He started his own company, Forest Resources Management, in 1978, where Dan worked as an independent consultant to Tillinghast & Neely in Danville, WV. He later purchased Tillinghast & Neely and spent the last three decades continuing to work as a consulting forester, specializing in land management. Dan was a well-respected voice in the profession and possessed an extraordinary amount of institutional knowledge. A dedicated volunteer, he served on numerous boards and committees, including the WV Board of Registration for Foresters, WV Division of the Society of American Foresters, Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers, Inc. and Governor’s Advisory Task Force to The State Forester.
Closer to home, Dan was a board member of the Hatfield & McCoy Trail Authority, Corridor G Economic Development Authority, Boone County Economic Development Authority, and Boone County Parks and Recreation Commission, where he was instrumental in the development of Water Ways waterpark. Dan never stopped looking for opportunities to improve the lives of people in Boone County.
Dan was also an active member of the Madison Rotary Club, Boone County WVU Alumni and Friends, and longtime member of Madison United Methodist Church. By far the most enjoyable membership in Dan’s life was with the Sugar Camp Hunt Club, where he spent countless weekends with family and old friends.
Dan cherished his 47 years with Barbara and was proud of what they were able to build together as a family. Whenever Barbara visited Dan in his dreams, he would write in his journal, “for a brief time, all was right with the world again.” Dan’s children take comfort in knowing that their parents are together and, for Dan and Barbara, ‘all was right with the world again.’
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Apr. 19, at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV with visitation from 1 p.m. until service time. Immediately following the service there will be a dinner at Madison United Methodist Church in Madison, WV. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, White Sulphur Springs, WV on Monday, Apr. 20, 2026 at 11 a.m.
