Thomas Carl Parks

Thomas Carl Parks, 68, a resident of Fredonia, Kansas passed away peacefully on September 6, 2007 in Wichita, Kansas. Tom was born Dec. 8, 1938, in Syracuse, New York, to William Wade and Viola (Bohnenberger). Wade Cook was killed in a railroad accident in 1949, and Viola later married Lynn Parks, who adopted Tom. Tom moved from Syracuse to Verona Beach on Oneida Lake in upstate New York. He attended Oneida High School and was married to Beverly Simpson in 1957. He was dedicated to supporting his family, including working for a New York dairy and the New York State Park System. He and Beverly had four children: Pamela Jean, Theron William, Jeffrey Lynn and Jill Ann. In 1966 Tom and his family moved to Neodesha, Kansas where he took a job with MEC Company. After about 10 years, he moved to Fredonia and went to work for Archer Daniels Midland Company. In 1977 he married Ruby Jacobs and became the father of Tommy and Michelle. He retired from ADM as an electrician in 2003. Tom loved outdoor activities and enjoyed fishing, camping and, in particular, motorcycle riding. He was very proud of his Harley-Davidson Sportster. After retirement, Tom was able to return for vacations to his home area on Oneida Lake where he also enjoyed eating clams and telling stories with his old friends. More than anything, however, Tom loved his family. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Ruby and his son Theron. He is survived by his children: Pamela LaBatt of Independence, KS; Jeffrey Parks of Rock, KS; Jill Dunn and her husband JR Dunn of Sycamore, KS; Tom Jacobs and his wife Ann of Shawnee, KS; and Michelle Gustin of Chanute, KS. He is also survived by his brothers Phil Parks and his wife Carolyn of Ovid, FL, and Bruce Parks and his wife Lisa of Neodesha, KS and his sister Linda Parks and her husband Randy Brown, of Wichita, KS, as well as 14 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Buxton Christian Church with Rev. Gene Benefiel officiating. Burial will be in the Fredonia City Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Tuesday, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name with the Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice and may be sent to the funeral home. Family condolences may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736 is in charge of the arrangements.