Parker Dunn

John Parker Dunn Obituary

John Parker Dunn, beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on April 13, 2026, just days before his 43rd birthday. He was born on April 21, 1983, in Payson, Utah.

Parker spent his early childhood in Springville, Utah, before moving with his family to Rexburg, Idaho, in 1988, where he lived near Porter Park. In August 2002, his family moved to Salem, Idaho, where Parker resided for the remainder of his life.

He is lovingly remembered by his father, Alan, and his mother, Connie, as well as his siblings: Logan (Shanell), Adrielle (Randy) Harward, Lindsay (Mike) Robinson, Isaac (Claire), and Mariah (Cooper) Brown. Parker was a proud uncle to sixteen nieces and nephews: Aiden, Elsie, Nixon, Saylor, Weston, Rowen, Jason, Lincoln, Barry, Cal, Lenny, Ty, Darcy, Miles, Mary, and Lydia, each of whom brought him great joy.

Parker was a hard and dedicated worker. He had several jobs during his lifetime and worked at Applebees, Taco Time, Hollywood Video, Rays Chevron, Rehab Specialists of Idaho, and a local movie theater that was American Family Entertainment and then Fat Cats. You might have seen him at the Redemption Counter. His employers always made him feel needed and valued and we, as his family, are deeply grateful for all the support our community has shown him.

Parker had a deep love for the outdoors, especially fishing. He traveled to Alaska three times and cherished those experiences, but he was just as happy casting a line at Henry’s Lake or in nearby ponds, where he was known for catching more fish than anyone else around him. He also enjoyed kayaking the Henry’s Fork and spending time on the water with family.

He had a passion for shooting and was an accomplished marksman, often playfully “schooling” his dad at the Teton Gun Range or the Fremont Sportsman’s Club. Earlier in life, Parker enjoyed family outings to Yellowstone and riding his three-wheeled bicycle through the neighborhood with determination and speed.

At home, Parker found joy in playing Xbox and Nintendo with his siblings and connecting with friends across the country. Whether outdoors or indoors, he valued companionship and shared laughter.

Parker loved swimming and was water-safe from a young age. Family trips to Green Canyon and Heise Hot Springs were among his favorites. He delighted in jumping off diving boards, swimming laps “for exercise,” and, most especially, playfully dunking his dad again and again.

Parker became a good skier and was often found at Kelly Canyon flying down Skiers' Lane.

Known for his dry sense of humor, Parker could deliver a perfectly timed joke with only the slightest smile, often leaving others laughing after a moment’s realization.

Perhaps Parker’s greatest attribute was his unwavering positive attitude. Despite battling cancer twice, he never complained. He developed a malignant brain tumor at the age of two and courageously tackled life with physical and developmental disabilities. Later on, the cancer returned. Even in his final days, when asked how he was feeling, he would simply respond, “good,” or perhaps “a little uncomfortable.” His strength and quiet resilience were an inspiration to all who knew him.

Parker had a deep and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He offered heartfelt prayers, spoke in church, and willingly shared his faith. His calm, sincere, and spiritual prayers were a defining part of who he was and a lasting blessing to those who heard them. He was temple endowed and loved to attend the temple often. When he was healthy he often went every week. He served two missions for the LDS church and was currently completing his second year as a missionary for Family Search (VROC team Bison).

We would also like to express immense gratitude to all the support workers he has had throughout his adult life. They have become like family to us.

The last two weeks of his life, Heritage Home Health and Hospice came into our home and provided wonderful emotional and physical support. We give their business a great thumbs up!

A viewing will be held on April 20, 2026, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg, Idaho. A second viewing will take place on April 21, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Salem Church in Rexburg, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m.

Parker will be deeply missed, but his kindness, humor, faith, and quiet strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. We know he is with our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and all those loved ones who have gone on before him.