John Alma Parker was born December 20 1868 at Heber City, Utah, a son of Joseph Faulkner Parker and Mary Elizabeth Ross. His family moved to Kanosh when he was six years old. When he was twelve year old the family moved to Joseph, Sevier, Utah.

He married Mary Catherine Gilbert,9 October 1889 in the Manti Temple, Manti,SanPete, Utah.She is the daughter of Thomas Jefferson and Martha Jane Goats Gilbert, family history tell's of how they met. John was playing the organ at Church, and Mollie saw him and said that guy at the organ who is half asleep, is the man I'm going to marry and she did.

John Alma was known in this area for his musical accomplishments. When he was 14 years old he began playing the organ at the Joseph Ward. He also formed a orchestra that played for dances and benefits. He formed the Joseph Silver Band in 1903 with boys from 12 to 14 years old. The organization became known throughout Southern Utah for his dance music. The musicians stayed together for almost 15 years as an organizaton.

John Alma was active in Civic Affairs, he served two terms as Joseph Justice of the Peace and was a member of the town board when the town of Joseph, was incorporated, when the water works systen was installed. He served 20 years as secretary of the Joseph Canal Company, and Cove Canal Co.He served as a director of State Bank of Sevier for 20 years. He was a member of the School Board.

He served a two year Stake Mission, and Superintendent of the Sunday School. He was a Home teacher for many years.

He and his wife Mollie were the parents of 13 children. Ethel Adell, Alma Virgil, Martha Annetta, Robert Harold, Mary Hazel, Thelma Ione, Joseph Gilbert who died as a child, Andrew Jackson, Jennie D. who died as a child, John Thomas who died as a child, (Rulen Rex - Rulen Rex died as a young man in a gun accident.and Max Rodney - twins,) Karl G. Parker.

It was said of John Alma he never said a unkind word about anyone and that he didn't have a enemy anywhere.

He loved horses and had race horses at one time, He loved the mountains and owned the Parker Ranch on the West Mountain, where he built his cabin where he loved to stay.He ran a herd of cattle on the West Mountain. He owned a large farm in Joseph, Utah, which with the help of his family he ran for many years

He died in Joseph,Sevier, Utah July 15 1954 at the age of 85. He left a great posterity behind him.

Compiled and added by Mary Ann Hunt Parker, wife of Kerby Parker -Grandson of John Alma Parker

Obit from the Richfield Reaper newspaper July 1954.

History of John Alma Parker and Mary Catherine Gilbert Parker. as told to Mary Ann Hunt Parker, by her husband Kerby Parker,grandson of John Alma and Mary Catherine Parker,and his daughter in-laws Melba E Parker wife of Max Parker, and Evelyn Bohn Parker wife of Andrew Jackson Parker.