Wendell Allen Parks

Devoted Husband, Uncle, Brother, Patriot and Artist, Wendell "Tex" Allen Parks, of Rhinebeck, New York, passed away on September 8th, 2022 at 94 years of age. He was born July 1, 1928. He is survived by the love of his life and devoted spouse of 70 years, Alice Joyce Parks; along with his great niece Lori Marks (Luke) great grandnieces Olivia and Amelia, and nephew Richard Poye (Laura). He is also survived by his sisters Patti Kmiec (Paul) and Carol Ann Poye and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Tex, as he was best known to those who loved him, was born in Houston, Texas attended St. Thomas Catholic High School and obtained a master’s degree at the Art Center College of Design in California. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps with over 24 years of active duty. He was stationed at various Navy and Marine Corps installations in the United States and abroad. He reverted to enlisted status and concluded his career in the Corps as a Master Gunnery Sergeant, serving as head of the Marine Corps Combat Art Collection at Headquarters Marine Corps. Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, he continued his public service as an Exhibit Specialist with the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library.

His artistic talents evolved from combat artist in Vietnam to painting landscapes of the beautiful Hudson Valley and historical pieces.

Tex and Joy traveled the world together making memories and sharing their lives and their generosity with people they met along the way.

He was a proud American, humble, and kind, whose life touched so many. He was loved and he will be missed.

A visitation for Wendell will be held Monday, September 19, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home Chapel, 1615 S. Fort Hood Road, Killen, Texas, followed by a Service at 12:30 PM, and a committal service with full military honors at 3:00 PM at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery, 11463 TX-195, Killeen, Texas.

If you would like to virtually attend the Service, please go to:

https://www.facebook.com/crawfordbowerskilleen/

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.crawfordbowersfuneralhome.com for the Parks family.

In lieu of flowers please send charitable donations to The Marines’ Memorial Foundation or The American Cancer Society, in honor of Wendell (Tex).