Jerald Herman Parker, Sr., a dedicated US Marine veteran, was born on July 2, 1952, in Phoenix, Arizona. As a natural born fighter, he stepped into the arena of life through his parents Emory Lee and Esther O'teal Parker. He was the youngest of four children born to this union (Emory Jr., Gloria, and Gwendolyn) At the age of ten, he followed in the footsteps of his father, who was a Master Sergeant in the United States Army.

Jerald started his military journey by joining the Boy Scouts of America in the 1960s. On his Boy Scout Honor, he committed to do his duty to God, his country, and Scout Law; to do his duty to other people; and to do his duty to himself, which included keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. He earned the Boy Scout badges of Craftsman Award, Reptile Study, Camping, Wildlife Management, Star Scout, and Pioneering.

Jerald received his formal education in his hometown where he met his high school sweetheart, Charlesetta Green. He graduated from Phoenix Union High School in 1970. The school mascot was the Phoenix Coyotes with a mandate to "fight on". Indeed, he did fight on after graduation by taking the step to serve his country in the most prestigious branch of the military due to its elite fighting force.

Jerald enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1972. He highly valued his service and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He earned the awards of Rifle Expert and Rifle and Pistol Sharpshooter. He specialized as an Aviator Calibration and Repair Technician. He also received certifications in Electronic Digital/Computer Technology and Colorado Windows Engineering. He demonstrated the values of discipline, loyalty, and unity that are the foundation of the Marine Corps and carried those principles throughout his life.

Following his enlistment, Jerald and Charlesetta married in Santa Ana, California on February 28, 1974. Deeply devoted to each other and their children Ferlisa, Darzella, Jerald Jr., Latoya, and Charles, they also became a military family traveling the world. After serving in the United States and Japan, his family was permanently stationed in Colorado. Eventually, the family moved in military housing on Lowry Air Force Base. He served thirty years in the military. Upon retirement in 2002, he was honorably discharged.
Afterwards, the family moved into their permanent residence.

In the early years the family was so big, they had to purchase mobile homes as their family car because it was the only vehicle they all could fit in. The family also included their dogs. Jerald was always a dog person having dogs since the children were old enough to walk. Their most notable dog was Hotline. He was the family Chihuahua that lived almost fifteen years. Jerald valued his family. He showed his care through his love of the beach. Every year, he drove the family to the beach for a two weeks' vacation.

After his distinguished military career, he diligently worked in various positions to provide for his family. He also studied at LeaderQuest Denver to further his higher education in Information Technology. Using his mechanical abilities, he installed security cameras on buses for Regional Transportation District (RTD) and hearing aids for veterans at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He landed a position with Frontier Airlines benefitting and blessing family and friends. Then, he worked at ACE Hardware as a Sales Associate and became a certified Lead STIHL Silver Technician.

As spouses, Jerald and Charlesetta searched for a church where the family could attend. They were led to Grace and Truth Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Denver, Colorado under the pastoral leadership of Senior Pastor Tastonga Moore. After becoming church members, they dedicated themselves to the ministry. Jerald was licensed as Deacon Jerald Parker and served in a variety of positions over the years. Deacon Parker served as Technology Director, Pastor's Aide, teacher, usher, security, grounds keeper, building and heating maintenance technician, and van driver. He often revealed his vocal talent by singing, "Jesus on the Mainline "during worship services. He developed financial contribution tracking forms specifically for the Grace and Truth Ministry using MS-DOS software. He even served as the church grill master at annual church holiday cookouts. He led a life defined by courage, dedication, and selfless service. Deacon Parker was a good and faithful servant who stood for the values of reverence, loyalty, and discipline.

Jerald faced one last fight. He fought a good fight and kept the faith. However, this fight became a battle, and it was not his to fight. The battle was God's because Jerald finished his course on the battleground of life. He departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on February 13, 2025, in Aurora, Colorado. He will be cherished by all who knew him and remembered for his unwavering strength and profound sense of duty.

Jerald was preceded in death by his son Jerald Parker, Jr., father Emory L. Parker, Sr.; mother Esther O. Parker; brother Emory L. Parker, Jr.; and sisters Gloria Jean Parker and Gwendolyn Parker.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife, Charlesetta Parker; children Ferlisa Parker, Darzella Williams, Latoya (Kalum) Harris, and Charles (Adrianna) Parker; twelve grandchildren and four great grandchildren; and multiple nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and family.