CMSgt. Larry E. Parks

CMSgt. (Ret. USAF), Larry E. Parks, 81, passed away Saturday, January 16, 2021 at his home in White Oak. Larry was born January 19, 1939 in Iola, Kansas to Edwin M. Parks and Esther L. Kerr Parks. Larry served 22 years, ten months, and three days in the United States Air Force and then went on to work in Civil Service for another 20 years. On August 22, 1964, Larry married the love of his life, Jo Ann Stephens and took on her three children ages seven, nine, and 11 raising them as his own. "Grandpa", as he was affectionately known by his grandchildren, loved him dearly and he loved them with all his heart. He was always inviting them over (of course not checking with Grandma first!) telling them their door was always open. He would always tell them "Don't do anything I wouldn't do" and "Be careful out there". Larry would do anything for his family and was very involved in their activities. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Larry is preceded in death by his parents; and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Haskell and Lula Stephens. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jo Ann Parks; children, Danny Greer and his wife, Pam, Michelle Nead, and Brenda Cook and her husband, David; grandchildren, Denay, Dylan, Kyle, Derek, Justin, Josh, Ashley, Misti, Nathan, Devin, Marille, and Keylan; 26 great grandchildren; five great -great grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends who loved him tremendously. In Larry's own words he wrote, "Don't cry for me, it's been a ball." A visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, January 21, 2021 at Lakeview Funeral Home. A Celebration of Larry's Life will be 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021 at White Oak Baptist Church, 117 S. White Oak Rd., White Oak, TX 75693 with Bro. Michael Heim and Bro. George Rogers officiating. Grave side service will follow with Military honors at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.