We were honored to be chosen by an angel to raise, love and protect.  Seth Avery Parker, 26, of Cadillac passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2025 after a lengthy hospital stay caused by RSV, pneumonia, and septic shock.

Born April 19,1998 in Grand Rapids to Steve Parker and Missy Hanford, he shared his birthday with his oldest sister.  During his short, almost 27 years with us, Seth endured countless surgeries, seizures, and lengthy hospital stays.  He was our tough, little soldier and nothing slowed Seth's contagious smile and courageous spirit.  Despite never speaking a word and his multiple physical limitations, Seth taught hope, endurance, strength and perseverance to his family and friends.  Daily, he brought rays of sunshine to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.  He was his mom's portable angel.

Seth spent most days helping out at his mom's office greeting people and soaking up the attention from all who came in.  The girls in the office, Kim Phillips, Sam Secord, and Sherry Mead, were wrapped around his little finger.  During warm weather, sitting in his wheelchair under the awning, Seth would delight in watching the world go by, one car at a time.  The inability to walk did not deter him from going for strolls with his sister Jade, camping, hiking, or dancing to loud music in the living room.

Seth enjoyed having his back scratched, listening to Jade sing or play her saxophone, chewing on his wet washcloth, rubbing mom and dad's arm or head, traveling with long car rides and especially, hanging with the "oldies" in Luther with cousin Vicki and Russ Baker.  He emphatically did not like his teeth brushed, his ears washed or Mom cheering loudly.  Seth also had an unspeakable bond with animals.  Since Seth couldn't walk, he spent a good amount of his day hanging out on the floor, in his miniature recliners or stroller.  No matter who's home we were visiting, dogs and cats would come up to Seth and display the same behavior - gentleness, curiosity, and eventually protectiveness.  After checking Seth over from head to toe, Dixie, Duke, Bruno, Lucy or Momo the cat would stand next to his chair or stroller or curl up next to him; close enough for Seth to pet them.  They wouldn't budge until I picked Seth up.  Seth's last act of selflessness was to donate his kidneys and liver to Gift of Life Michigan.

Seth is survived by his loving family:  grandmother, Shelia Hanford; dad, Steve Parker; mom Melissa "Missy" Hanford; sisters, Anastacia Rae, Alicia Snyder, Kristyn (David) Sterling, and Jade Parker; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by grandmother, Ila "Louise" Norris Hubbard and grandfathers, Rayford Hubbard and Kirt Hanford.

A memorial service and luncheon will be held on his birthday, April 19, 2025 at 2 pm with visitation one hour prior at First Congressional Church on East Harris Street, Cadillac.