On December 30, 1999, our gentle, loving father, husband, grandpa and great-grandfather left this mortal life to go run "The Big Race" with his favorite horses.
He loved his horses and racing only second to his family.Gayle was born to Ariel Parker and Margaret Lott Parker on January 23, 1924 in Joseph, Utah.
He was the eldest boy in a family of 10 brothers and sisters and developed an early love for family and horses.
He sold his first horse to buy a wedding ring for Dona M. Payne, and on November 13th, 1946 they married. On December 29, 1947 went to the Manti Temple to be sealed for eternity.
Gayle worked for Kennecott in Ely, Nevada for 33 years and while doing so trained and raced horses, logging over 100 wins.
After retiring from Kennecott, Gayle was the caretaker for White Pine County Fair Grounds and after 42 years in Ely, NV, he and Dona moved to West Jordan to be close to their children and grandchildren.
Gayle continued to be active in horse training and racing and traveled all over the intermountain West, meeting and making friends.
He was the consummate horse trader, selling two of his last three horses just days before passing.
Gayle is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dona M. Payne Parker; sons, Greg (Becky) Parker, Terry Parker; daughter, Kelly (Larry) Taylor; grandchildren: Holly, Rachelle, Monty, Ryan, Gina, David, Joey, Katie, Jessica, Brittany and Max; great-grandchildren: Zack, Colton and Jadee. Also survived by brother, Harvey; and sisters: Donna, Norma and Marva. Preceded in death by his loving daughter, Patricia (Bob) Hausser; brothers Monte, Michael and Fred; and sisters Isabell and Shirley.
Funeral Services to be held Tuesday, January 4th, 2000 at 2 p.m.
Viewing prior to services from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT.
Interment will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.