Monticello Man Killed in Car-18 Wheeler Crash Near Varner Last Night
October 2nd, 2008 by Joe BurgessAccording to Arkansas State Police reports, David Parker of Monticello was pronounced dead at the scene of a tractor trailer-car accident at the intersection of HWY 65 and HWY 388 in Lincoln. The intersection is better described as the turn-off that leads to the Dept. of Corrections for Cummins & Varner units.
Reports from the scene indicate that the truck was southbound on HWY 65, when Mr. Parker’s Ford Focus pulled into the highway, hitting the 18-wheeler.Â
David Parker was a nurse, who was best known to Monticello residents from the time he worked at the Drew Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, and was employed at the Dept. of Corrections.
The area is under construction. The driver of the truck was not injured. The accident occured around 10:05 p.m., Wednesday night.
Mr. Parker is the third Monticello man to lose his life as a result of automobile accidents in the last ten days.  Dustin Ferguson was killed in a wreck on Monday of last week on HWY 425 North, and Justin Arnold passed away at the scene of single vehicle accident on Old Troy Road, last Thursday.
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Tina and Family..I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. We will miss Dave very much!!!
Love,
Jonathan, Randi, and Aaron McMahon
To the family of Dave, he will be truly missed. I last spoke with him 2 weeks ago and he told me that he and his wife was expecting another child.
This is a great loss, because he was a wonderful person and hard working nurse. I thank God that I had the opportunity to work with him some years ago. My prayers are with his wife and family.
David was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet!
He will be missed .I pray for his family that the Lord will be with them and comfort them.
I just logged on to monticellolive this morning to check the local news and was shocked and saddened to hear of Daves tragic accident. I have known him since he was a very young boy. To Tina, and the entire Parker family, please accept my deepest sympathies and know that I will be praying for you all. May God’s love comfort you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Gary Newton
He was an excellent nurse, he cared about his patients and he never was rude or rushed you. To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. No matter what went on in his life he was a kind, professional, thorough nurse and his legend of nursing will always be remembered.
Tina, Jake, and Family,
We are deeply hurt to hear about Dave. You will forever be in our hearts and prayers. We just want you to know that we love you and your family very much. Tina, you are a very strong woman, keep Dave’s memories alive. Seek God for comfort in these trying times. I know that we are not as close as we were in high school, but you, Allison, and Angela were always, and still are, some of my closest and dearest friends. Tina, if there is anything that you need of me, in any way, please let me know.
We love you very much,
Stephanie, Matthew & Kids
Tina you are in my prayers…We will all miss David’s infectious smile and laughter. Im just shocked and speachless. Lord be with this Family.
All our Love
Tammy Wiscaver Kelly and Family
Anyone who didn’t know Dave doesn’t know what they missed! He was such a kind hearted, loving person who cared about everyone. Dave could have a conversation with and relate to anyone. Dave was loved by anyone who had contact with him. That’s just the kind of guy he was. Looking at all that has happened in our community in the past 10 days, Christians need to come together and prepare for the return of our Lord Jesus. It is time to put on our armor. There is spiritual warfare going on and we need to take a stand! I know that Dave would agree with me. He loved the Lord and I can only imagine the smile on his face right now as he walks hand in hand with Him. To all of the family and friends of Dave, my heart goes out to you in this time of grief.
Dave’s family, Dave was so much fun in school. Such a great guy to call your friend. Every time I saw him around town he had a big smile on his face. I can’t imagine what you are going through. I am so sorry for your loss.
Our prayers go out to the Parker family. Dave was a very kind young man and a great nurse. He has taken care of several of our family members when he worked at Drew Memorial and they got such wonderful care from him. Such a tragic loss to his family and the community.
Carl & Gloria Hensley
Never Knew him but am sorry to hear about your loss i shall pray for you and your family
As soon as I read this I called my mother, who worked with Dave at DMH and was also cared for by him while she was a patient there. She said that he was one in a million and he will be missed. My prayers go out to his family. It’s is difficult to understand why these things happen, I know. God understands if we get angry and ask why as long as we remember He is still there waiting with open arms to comfort us. As long as we live in this old world there will be pain and sorrow but this world is not our home. Please, if you don’t have a home in heaven ask God to come into your heart, NOW…you never know when you’ll take your last breath.
Dave was the definition of a perfect nurse. I don’t know anyone that he encountered in his line of work that didn’t love him. I have known Dave and his family for 15 years. They are wonderful people, and my heart aches that this has happened.
We are all praying for Dave’s family, his wife Tina Usry Parker, and his son Jake. I know that the Usry’s loved Dave as a SON, not ‘a son in law,’ and that they are in great need of prayers as well.
Tina & Jake,
Our hearts are breaking for you this morning. You know we loved Dave very much. We know where he is now, but that doesn’t lessen the pain of losing him. Please accept our deepest sympathy and know that you are in our prayers daily.
Sarah & Candi Calvert
How sad. Dave was a good Christian and an amazing friend. Tina, Dave was so proud of everything you had done for him. I can’t remeber a day he did not speak your name with love and effection. You, and your family are in our prayers.
To the DMHfamily: We have lost so many friends recently and in the past. I am so thankfull to work for a facililty where the employees have such a close relationship with each other. We miss are friends dearly, but isnt’ it nice to know that Linda, Steve, Jessica, Bobbie, Dave, and others are all looking down on us.
To Tina and Jake,
We are so very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We got to know Dave as a parent, but never had the opportunity to know him as a nurse. Since Grace and Jake were in the same Kindergarten class last year and became such good friends, we got to meet some really great parents of great kids. You are Dave are such great parents, and Jake is such a sweet, kind hearted little boy that loves his parents very much. You could always tell that whenever he was with you. To those of you who didn’t know Dave, he was such a great dad to Jake. I don’t think I have ever been out to MES one day to eat with Grace, that he wasn’t there eating with Jake. I will miss him walking Jake into the cafeteria, hand in hand, with those huge smiles on both of their faces. I don’t know if he ever missed a day of eating with him. He was also on the playground everyday with Jake. He loved his son so much! Dave was at all the school functions with Jake. He came to holiday parties, school plays, school picnics, where he played football with Jake and all of his friends. He was always around for Jake. You couldn’t ask for a better father.
It just breaks our hearts to know the hurt you are going through at this time. God is taking care of Dave now the way that he took care of everyone else. We offer you our deepest sympathies and know that we will pray for you, Jake, and your unborn child. If there is anything at all that we can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask us. We are SO SORRY….
My husband Paul worked with Dave at Drew Memorial. He always talked highly of Dave. I had the pleasure to meet him. He was always so kind and had a smile on his face. Our prayers are with his family.
Tina, Jake, and family………You are in my prayers, my heart goes out to you and your family. Dave was nicest person you could ever meet. We love you.
Dave was such a wonderful man. He has comforted me many times at DMH, making the ER visit bearable. He was also a very talented man, he had an amazing singing voice. Singing songs of Gospel. I can not imagine the pain that these families are experiencing right now…but, I can pray. I pray that the Lord will wrap his arms around these families and friends in these times of loss and pain that we have been experiencing in our community. I know Dave loved the Lord, anytime you’d ask him how are you Dave? He’d always say, Blessed! And he is, and I am for having shared those few moments and conversations, with him. Family, stay strong..stay in prayer, for we will see Dave again. Rest in Love, Dave — we will miss you.
Tina I am SO sorry and saddened for your loss! My heart and prayers go out to you! I cannot fathom what you and your families must be going through. I know that God always has a plan and we will most likely will NEVER know why. I love you and pray that you can be strong for you and your children!
Jill Orrell
Words just can not express how I feel right now. Dave was such a kind heart and gentle spirit. If you didn’t know Dave… you did miss out!! Always had a smile on his face, a laugh to share, and a hug to give. I just saw him a few weeks ago in Wal-Mart and he hugged me and we got to talk for a few minutes. When we were growing up and he worked at the bowling alley he was always like a “brother” to me and he would often carry me home after he closed up. Always there with a hug and a smile… I will never forget that!!
I did not know his wife… think I hadmet her once or twice, but just know that Dave was loved by so many people and he will be missed by anyone that knew him. He is with Jesus now and he will never stop smiling!! R.I.P. Dave….. you will be loved and missed greatly!! Thanks for being the “big brother” figure that I never had!!
Dave’s family ….. you will be in my thought and prayers for a long time to come!!
Love,
Mandy “Shook” Etue
Tina, Jake, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Dave at DMH. He taught me so much as a student and worker. He always went out of his way to help me. He always had a huge smile on his face. He was absolutely crazy about Jake. Not a day went by that he wasn’t bragging on him. My heart aches for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed!!!
I LOVE ALL OF YOU VERY MUCH…NO WORDS CAN DESCRIBE THE WAY I FEEL RIGHT NOW. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. DAVE GAVE MEANING TO LIFE! HE MADE EVERYTHING BETTER KNOW MATTER WHAT. WE ALL ONLY WISH WE HAD HALF THE SPIRIT DAVE HAS. TINA, YOU AND JAKE ARE IN MY PRAYERS.
Dave was such a gift !!! He impacted so many lives and everyone was better knowing him !! I too grew up at the bowling alley and knew Dave from there . He was such a wonderful person . Dave took care of my dad several times in ICU at DMH and always was such a light to him when he came to take care of him . Dave will be greatly missed by everyone that has had any contact with him . KNow that the family is in our prayers . God be with you each and everyday to comfort you and hold you close .
Tina,
My sister called early this morning and told me of Dave’s accident. My heart is truly broken for you and your family. Dave was one of the best friends any person could ever have, and I know he how much he loved you, from the moment you two met. Some of the best times of my life were spent with Dave, and the world is suddenly a sad and different place without him in it. Today has definately been a struggle for me, and I hope you can somehow find comfort during this time. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Joey Hillyard
479-530-8436
Tina, Davids’ family, Dozell & Virginia,
When I woke up this morning, Andy told me about what happened. I am so sorry; my heart goes out to you all. David was a very talented guy with a beautiful family. I went to college with his wife Tina, and met her husband through the music store. I thought, “how great it was that he was a nurse and could play a bass too”. He was a nice person, and greated people with a wonderful smile. We are saddened by your loss, and you will be remembered in our prayers. If we can do anything, don’t hesitate to let us know.
Sincerely,
Terrie Briant
Its been Years since I have lived in Monticello and I sure Hate to hear a former Classmate of mine has passed away. I wet to school with Sharon and Glenda and Linda And I met David and Jackie too. I wanna express my condlolences the Parker Family! If this is the Same David In Question! My Heart goes out to you!
Sherry Kendall- Jones
Mrs. Parker & Helen,
I am so sorry to hear about Dave. Since we went to different schools I was not privilaged to know him as well as I would have liked to. It seems like just yesterday that Dave and I were working at the bowling center. He was such a cut up. Always witty, sometimes full of it but he always made you feel good. I see some of Dave in Eathan.
Even years after growing up and living our lives where we seldom crossed paths, whever I ran into Dave he still had a smile and laught to share, whether it be about his wife, son, family or the “good old days”.
I will truly miss the chance meetings, hugs, smiles and that goofy face.
Love always,
Karen “Donham” Caldwell
Tina and Jacob,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It was such a shock to me, as for everyone else here at MHS. And for me to have just sat and talked to David Wednesday at lunch has really hurt me. We talked about how happy he was and how Jacob was tickled to be a big brother, and just general things going on. We also spoke of my mother passing and how that had changed my life tremendously. He was such a good guy and even today when we heard the news at MHS when describing David all you had to say was the sweet blonde headed guy that worked in ICU or in the ER and everyone knew who you were talking about!!! I can’t imagine what you are going through but always know that I am here no matter what is going on. With love always, thinking of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monica Weaver
Tina and all the Parker family…
my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Dave was a good man and a fantastic nurse.
the community as a whole is now missing a one of it’s best assets…
God bless and keep
KK
While at the soccer game Monday evening, I saw little Jake for the first time in about 2 years and that child is his dad made over. My nephew Tristan plays on Jake’s team. After we left, Catie and Clayton were talking about how much they love Mrs. Parker, and I went on about what a great nurse Dave was. He took such great care of my mom when she was in DMH, and me after surgery. If you HAD to be there, you were blessed to have Dave. Right now, people are searching for words to say and reasons why something like this has to happen to such a great and loving family. We are so, so very sorry for your loss.
My family will keep your family in our prayers. Tina, may God bring some kind of comfort to you and Jake at this time.
God Bless –
William & Stacy Spears
Clayton Spears
Catie Beth Wilkerson
Jamie Handly & Tristan
I had the privilege of working with Dave at DMH. Every time he came into the office, he was upbeat, friendly and made everyone smile. His patient’s loved him and so did the staff. Whenever I passed him the halls and asked him how he was, he always said “Blessed”. Dave had a wonderful spirit and he will be missed by so many.
My heart goes out to his family. I pray that God will give you comfort and understanding during this tough time.
David and Terisa Swain
To Brother Bud,Helen and Family..
We’re so sorry to hear of your loss. Just wanted to take this time to let you both know that you’re in our prayers and that we love you. So many times things of this nature happen and yet.. we don’t know the reason. But.. God Knows!!! We can’t question His reason for things like this. I know that it’s gonna leave a big void in your lives where he held such a loving place to so many. May God be with you..
To the family of Dave Parker,
I am sorry so for your loss. Dave was a wonderful person and nurse. I had the pleasure of working with Dave @ Delta Memorial Hospital. Everyday was a great day with Dave. He could always make me laugh, smile, and taught me to enjoy the day like it was my last. Dave will truely me missed in my heart. Dave was the nicest person you would ever meet. May god bless Tina and Jake.
Thinking of you,
Donna Glidewell
Dear Tina, Jake and Family,
My heart is so heavy. I just saw Tina last night and she was so happy, they are having a new baby in March. I just can’t believe the deaths we have had to deal with the last few weeks, so many of our young men have been taken from us. I love this family like my own and I pray for peace and comfort that only our Lord can give.
Dave was such a wonderful father & husband and one of the most compassionate nurses you will even know. He was a ray of sunshine with that smile of his, even when you or your loved one was hurting or sick. He was so wonderful when my Dad was in the hospital in 2005 and 2006 before Dad was called home and now our sweet Dave is there with him and I know with that beautiful singing voice Dave has added a glorious sound to the Lord’s singers in Heaven. Dave you are loved and will be missed.
May God Bless You All,
I Love You,
Juanda
Tina,
I’m sorry for your loss. I’m like everyone else in total shock. We will pray for you and your family. I see everyone felt the same about David. I have missed him at DMH. I would always request him for my family or me because I knew we would get the best care possible. He was also a gifted musician. Your in our prayers. GOD BLESS!!!
I can not say how mush that my wife betty scroggins will miss hem david savid betty three times. it a big lost . she and I well miss hem . at the time the dr that was on duty did not know what to do for my wif but david stepts and sayed to the dr to go and done something and now betty is stille with me. that was 9 ye. ago thanks david god be with u
To Tina and family, You are in my Prayers and God will bring you through the tough stuff. It is one thing for sure Dave was so so special to me cause he taught me so much when I got the chance to work with him and I’ll always be greatful for him. I called him my Big Brother cause he was there for me when it seems real dark and he had a kind word everytime but He’s always going to be in my heart forever.
My thoughts and prayers goes out to Dave’s family.
I have been knowing Dave as far as I can remember .
He hung out with my brother. They even had a band at one time.
There is alot I can say about Dave. And he will be missed.
I couldn’t believe when I heard. Dave was like a brother to me.
I was remember seeing Dave,Tina and Jake shopping Wal-mart on sundays.
Dave was a good man. And he will always be remember but not forgotten.
He is a very well known man.
We will miss you Dave.
Praying for his family.
Missy Stewart
I can remember so many times my Mother had to be in the ICU,I would be so relieved to see Dave.I knew she would get the best care. I could call and ask him how she was anytime. He was all ways nice.Mother told him one day … You have such pretty hair and mine is all messed up he got her comb and combed her hair…He was the pretty lil boy with that pretty pony tail, from then on.My prayer is that his family can find comfort in knowing he’s in heaven.
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We did not know David personally but my son Colton is in Jake’s class this year. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.
There has been so much tragedy here lately at DMH. I can’t even begin to describe how hollow all these deaths have made us. We have lost so many friends in our DMH family, and Dave’s loss will be felt, just as Jessica, Steve, Bobbie and the others has been felt. Our thoughts and prayers go out to family.
love,
lauren and bryan
Tina and Jake,
I do not know you but feel like I do because of Dave’s love for you both. I worked with Dave at Delta Memorial Hospital in Dumas and there was never a moment when he was around that he didn’t make you feel good. His smile was contagious and we have missed him very much since he left to go to another job, Dave would often come to me and say can you find me a deal on a computer, I would, then he would say ok, let me discuss it with Tina, then a week or two later he would say I’m seriously thinking about that computer. Anytime I came up to the floor he was working on he would say, did you come to see me? I would always just smile and say you know I just had to come see you. He was a wonderful person and I know there will be a big void in your lives, but I know that he is an angel in heaven watching over all of those he loved and cared for as he spoke of his Lord often in his conversations, As people here have said, Dave always said he was blessed, but those of us who knew him where blessed to know him, love him and have him in our lives for the short time we did. A week or so ago I saw Dave at the hospital making a delivery for the Dept of Correction and I caught a hug and told him how much we missed him and was asking when he was coming back to work for us. I ‘m so glad I got that last hug and there is no doubt that he is waiting on the other side to give us another hug someday. May God bless you Jake and your new baby.
Sincerely,
Paula Smith
My prayers are going out to the family of a great man. I didn’t put the name and the face together until after my wife and I were discussing the article. That is when I realized who David Parker was!!
David was in the ER in January 2004 when we had just learned of our son, Michael, being diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes. David could sense the fear in all of us….trying his best to attend to Michael professionally and with empathy. While doing all of the prep work needed for the ambulance transport to Children’s Hospital David was also trying to assist Kelly and me maintain our composure, especially in front of Michael. David performed his duties admirably.
After a few weeks had passed, David and I crossed paths in Wal-Mart. He stopped in his tracks and asked how Michael was doing. Again another example of a true professional!!
In January 2005, it was my turn for a trip to the ER. David was there again acting out his role of guardian angel. I have never had anyone show me so much respect or anguish along with me that wasn’t a family member. I was fortunate to have known David and most of all to have been cared for by him.
David will surely be missed. The world just lost one of the best examples of professionalism, sympathy, and truly caring for each of his patients. I am relieved though knowing David is now in the prescence of God, reaping his rewards for a job well done.
May God bless all of David’s family and friends.
Tony Hudson
what can i say that hasn’t already been said…dave, if you knew him, you loved him…
Tina and family (Angela and Allison)-I love you all and you are in my thoughts and prayers!!
Tina, Parker family, Dozell and Virginia. I was so saddened and shocked to hear of this tragedy. I have known Dave most of his life. He was a gifted and talented musician as well as nurse. He was loved by all who knwe him and he will be greatly missed. He was also a fine Christian man and we know where he is. May God bless and confort you all during this extremely tough time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Andy Briant
Tina,
I am sorry for you and your family’s loss. This happened to me three years ago, and trust in God, because he will give you the strength to get through this. You have a wonderful family by your side and they will be there for you every monment you need them. If you need me for anything, or even just someone to talk to you know how to reach me. I didn’t have the oppoptunity to know your husband, but I am sure he was a wonderful man, for you to have chosen him. I will be praying for you, your son, Allison and Angela, Mr. Dozell, Mrs. Virg inia, and of course the Parker family also. May God be with you all in this time of need.
Love, Shellie & Callie
dave and i have been friends for 20 yrs,hes was like my older brother.me and him were called double trouble for long time.we played in our band for many yrs.ppl seen him ,they`d see me.even though i`ve been living in tn for 10 yrs.he is and will always be my best friend,my older brother and part of my family.along with tina and children
i am so sorry for your loss. Dave and I went to school together. He took such good care of my mother while she was in the hospital. My Mother was very sick, but every time that Dave walked in the room she would smile and her eyes would brighten up. She is no longer with us. People say it gets easier and later, much later it does, just a little. Dave…. Well what can you say , a wonderful guy and fun to be around. I cried when i heard the news and also i got really angry. I just isn’t fair.
David was one of the kindest, most caring nurses with which I have ever had the honor to work. He could always bring a smile. And will be misssed. Best wishes and prayers to tina and the family.
Sometimes words cannot be found to truly show the loss that is being felt by so many. If you knew Dave, you were blessed. If you didn’t get the chance to meet him, you truly missed out. Tina and Jake, may God bless and keep you close.
dave was a great guy , a wonderful nurse and he will be missed prayers for his family
To Dave’s Family,
I am so so sorry to hear of your loss. I too was cared for by Dave, as well as my son, and Husband. He was such a soothing person, even if everything was not ok, he made you feel as if it was going to be. When I came in with my children I looked for him, because I knew they would be in good hands. I knew he would take care of my children as if they were his own. He was a special person with a big heart to match, that will be missed. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Phillip and Suzanne Leonard
Dave Parker was a good man, a family man. He adored Tina and made that known to everyone. He was a wonderful father. He was a skilled nurse. Everyone loved Dave Parker.. He had a divine gift. Dave had the ability to make everyone he spoke to feel truely special. It was a sincere kindness of his heart. He never met a stranger and if he met you one time.. then you were his friend. He would walk across a store , just to say hello. In my life I dont ever expect to meet anyone else quite like Dave. I worked with him every day for 8 yrs. He will be missed . I cant even imagine the pain his family suffers. They are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry for your loss. The memories that we have of Dave will always bring a smile to our faces. He could always make anyone feel better no matter the situation. Tina brought him such peace and happiness and made him complete. His words of joy and song of laughter will be greatly missed by everyone. Our deepest sympathies to his family.
Dan and Sanci Sloan
I had the pleasure of working with Dave on a daily basis at DMH in ICU for a couple of years. Each and everyday that we work together he greeted me with a hug and a smile. I would always tease Dave about needing to cut his hair (pony tail). and I would get the same comment ” I can’t cut it, it is the source of my strength”, or the source of my super powers, or whatever he came up with on his way to work that morning. Dave always had a way of making his patients and their family members feel more comfortable and at ease as if they were his only patients. Even after Dave left DMH I still had patients asking about him, wanting him to take care of them. Dave was well loved and will be truly missed. He was a very special person
Tina,
I was just heartbroken when my mom called me to tell me about Dave’s wreck. I so enjoyed the years we were “partners in crime” in ICU. One thing’s for sure, we NEVER had a dull work day. You guys are such a blessing to me. I truly hope that you are comforted by knowing that Dave is with Jesus and just like the song he did such a good job singing he will Rise Again. If you ever just need someone to listen, I’ll be here. Love you guys.
Parker Family:
I was so saddened to hear the news of Dave’s death over the weekend. Dave and I have been friends since high school. He was such a fun person to be around. Although we lost contact for quiet a few years, I ran into Dave a few months ago and found out that he worked at the Varner Unit. He boosted about his wife and kids and his love of God. Everytime I saw him from then on I would say “Hey Dave how are you!” and his simple reply was “I am blessed!” I know no words can heal the pain that you feel right now, but I will say that in time, the pain will ease and you can share the love you had for Dave with your children/grandchildren. He will be truly missed by everyone who knew him. He touched everyone’s life in some way or another. He was a great inspiration to me.