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The Life of Parker James Rivera

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these” Matthew 19:14.

Parker James Rivera, aka “Parker Man,” went to be with Jesus on Sunday, January 4 at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. He was surrounded by his loving parents and adoring sisters. Parker was 15 and a freshman at Lafayette High School. He was a warrior for Christ and exemplified the Christian spirit in his daily life. He was witty, sarcastic and dramatic, and he loved to showcase these traits through his involvement with Christian Youth Theatre of Lafayette. He was a devoted member of The Bayou Church and was actively involved in their youth and volunteer ministries. Parker also had a passion for King’s Camp, a Christian camp in Mer Rouge, LA that he attended for the last seven years. His Christian walk was enriched tremendously through the King’s Camp ministry. Parker was an avid LSU fan and thoroughly enjoyed being befriended by the football team this past year.

Parker knew that God had a plan for him and when he was told of his diagnosis 18 months ago he responded, “I’ve accepted this.” He never complained or asked why, instead he always tried to make others feel better about things and certainly used “the cancer card” in jokes and shenanigans. He will be forever loved, adored, and missed by all who knew him. His family finds comfort in knowing that the pain and suffering are over, and rejoices in the fact that they will meet him again.

Parker is survived by his parents Jim and Dana Rivera, his four sisters Alli Rivera Romero, Lauren Rivera, Mady Rivera and Peyton Rivera, his brother in law Jacque Romero, his niece Amy Romero, and his German Sheppard, Nabi, as well as his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family would like to thank St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis and their doctors, nurses, and staff for their excellent care and unfailing devotion to Parker and his treatment. The family’s heartfelt love and gratitude are extended to Dr. Aimee Tualleur and Dr. Hiroto Inaba, who walked every single step of Parker’s journey with him and his family, and were with them until the very end. Thanks are also extended to Dr. Sam, his ICU doctor, who left no stone unturned and made sure Parker went to heaven pain free while surrounded by his family. St. Jude NEVER gave up and Parker’s family will spend the rest of their lives doing good for them. The family would also like to thank Jason Vesper and Parker’s grandfather, Lynn Dugas, for taking him to weekly treatments in Baton Rouge for the last six months.

Visitation will be observed on Friday, January 9, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, January 10 from 8:00 am until 10 am at The Bayou Baptist Church in Lafayette, LA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at The Bayou Baptist Church. Associate Pastor Sean Walker of The Bayou Church will conduct the services.

Interment will be held at Lafayette Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Dustin Marchand, Tyler and Owen Brasseaux, David Sharp, Jack Broussard, Jacque Romero, Carter Hamilton and his LSU Football friend, Jamie Keehn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Parker’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital of Memphis or the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, 535 Alabama Ave. Memphis, TN 38015.

Martin & Castille-SOUTHSIDE-600 E. Farrel Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-984-2811.

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