Keith Richard Parker was born on March 28,, 1985, and he had an incredible amount of personality from the start. At an early age Keith was well known for pulling pranks and getting himself, or more often his older brother Chris, into trouble. He carried an amazing and off-beat sense of humor and had a way of making everyone around him laugh. As a kid, Keith's love of the outdoors began as he would often go on hunting, fishing and hiking adventures with family and friends, and he enjoyed riding the quads out on the hills.

In Keith's early adulthood, he spent a lot of time tinkering with old vehicles, helping out his friends as a handyman/mechanic and loved spending time with his friends and family. Keith would often drive around visiting friends in the Lockwood area, with his loyal dog, Dozer, in the back. He also liked to doodle and draw, which may come as a surprise to some.

On December 13, 2011, Keith enlisted in the National Guard Army Reserve and left to begin basic training within the next few weeks. He went to new places throughout the states and met people that he enjoyed getting to know along the way.

Around May of 2012, Keith's life changed when he and Caroline began dating. He instantly fell in love with her and her children, Ian, Jacob and Leah. Keith spent as much time as possible with his new family. He would build things for them, and ride bikes around with the kids. He took pride in becoming a family man and loved them all dearly. Caroline had Hunter on Father's Day, June 16, 2013. Keith was granted leave and was able to be at the hospital for a few short, but important hours, as their son Hunter was born. He was so proud and a little green too. We thought he may actually faint.

Keith was only able to spend a small amount of time with his family before preparing for deployment to Afghanistan in early August for 10 months. He made sure to write to his family as much as possible while he was away, as we tried to appease his craving for Pringles while he was there. He was a big fan of the care packages, but he treated his family to some amazing Christmas presents from afar that year, that hold an even more special memory now.

One of the greatest gifts that Keith shared with us was his amazing heart. When he was deployed, his unit was sent cards from a Girl Scout troop. Keith took the lead in having all of the guys sign a huge flag with a plaque for the troop and a special card to the Girl Scout that headed the troop.

Keith returned to his family in late May and immediately began to make up for lost time, taking the family fishing at the lake, to the wharf in Monterey, and concocting a special redneck style truck-bed summertime swimming pool made from camouflage tarp and duct tape. Complete with rafts for the kids to float on.

On July 27, 2014, Caroline and Keith were married at a beautiful park in Paso Robles surrounded by loved ones. Those closest to them will forever remember their unconventional wedding invite, and the blistering heat of that very happy day.

There will never be anyone like Keith. He said it exactly how he thought; there was no questioning that. He had an incredible sense of humor, and didn't filter it by any means. He loved hard and true, and was always there when a friend needed him. We wish he were here to know how much he is loved, and how he was a special part of each of our lives.

On the evening of February 9th, 2016, we lost our very beloved Keith Parker. Keith was a true friend and gift to all of those who were fortunate enough to cross his path.

Keith is survived by his wife, Caroline Parker; four children, Ian Paz-Parker, Jacob Paz-Parker, Leah Paz-Parker and Hunter Duane Parker; sister, Melanie Ann O'Connor; brother, Christopher Alan Parker; uncle and aunt who cared for Keith as if he were one of their own children, Duane and Talina Parker; and cousins, Brandon and Kristy Jo Parker.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE has been scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 28, 2016 at the Lockwood Valley Community Center.

ADDITIONAL OBITUARY INFORMATION WILL FOLLOW