Howard Lock Parks

He attended school in Arden. He worked on ranches until he married Mary Frances Clark in 1939. They started ranching and continued until he retired.

They had one son, Jon Henry Parks. Jon was always a great help to his parents for his adult life until his death a year ago.

Howard was interested in many things. He was a member of several agricultural committees. He was a member of the Mertzon School Board for 12 years. He was Irion County Judge for 8 years. He was deacon of the First Baptist Church of Mertzon for 52 years. Howard also served in the Merchant Marines in his younger years.

He liked to travel. Howard and his wife Mary saw a big part of the US, Canada, and Mexico.

He is preceded in death by his son, Jon Parks and wife, Sylvia Parks. His is survived by his wife of 78 years, Mary Parks; 2 grandsons: Eric Parks and wife Martha, & Jason Parks and wife Shonna, 4 great grandchildren: Ashlyn Parks, Haley Parks, Jonathan Parks and Phoenix Parks, 5 nephews and a very special niece and her husband, Jean and Rich Adams.

Visitation is on Friday at Johnson’s Funeral Home from 6-8pm. Service will be held at Johnson’s Funeral Home Chapel at 10am on Saturday followed by a graveside service at Mertzon Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Tom Duke, Don Hageman, Bill Miller, Clark Erskine, Walter Lee Parks, Clay Whitley, Bill Whitley, and Eddie Martin.

Our special thanks to caregivers Lori Geary, Sylvia, Gina, and Norma; Dr. McCloy; Bill and Debra Miller; Tom Duke; Don Hageman and Clark Erskine for your love and faithful service to our family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church of Mertzon, or your favorite charity.