Joel Thomas Parker, age 43 of Long Branch , passed away Tuesday, June 23 at Monmouth Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after battling with various health issues for the past two years. Joel was general manager for AAFKO Inc., of Colts Neck. He was a member of the First Assembly of God Church in Shrewsbury . He graduated from Valley Forge Christian College , Phoenixville , PA with his Bachelor of Science in Bible Degree and was a few credits away from earning his MBA at Liberty University , Lynchburg , VA. He served as youth pastor of Long Branch Covenant Church , Long Branch NJ for 5 years. Impacting many lives throughout his ministerial career he was involved with many other youth ministries, fulfilling his life's passion of showing God's love in practical ways. Born and raised in Red Bank, he moved to Long Branch 7 years ago. Mr. Parker was predeceased by his father, John Lawrence Parker of Red Bank, NJ. He was a devoted and loving father and is survived by his son, Joel Ryan Parker of Long Branch; daughter Alyssa Parker of Colts Neck; his mother, Rita Parker of Red bank; brothers Larry of Liverpool, NY; Michael of Williamsburg, VA; John of Eatontown, NJ; and sister Elizabeth Borkland of Rome, NY, along with his loving nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Monday from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the First Assembly of God Church, 220 Sycamore Ave. , Shrewsbury , NJ . Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday at the church followed by burial at the Glenwood Cemetery , West Long Branch . Condolences can be sent to First Assembly of God in Shrewsbury.