This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: PALMER, PARKS, HEARST, MARSHALL, PANKY, WOMACK, RINNE, CIVEY, SCHRUM, DUBAY, FITZWATER Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/lNB.2ACI/4286 Message Board Post: Paul Lee Parks of Belgrade, Missouri departed this life Sunday, March 12, 2006 at De Paul Hospital, St. Louis, having reached the age of 59 years 1 month and 4 days. He was born February 8, 1947, at Palmer, Missouri a son of the late Hurlin and Effie Lee (Palmer) Parks. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Doris Hearst, Zelma Marshall and a baby girl and three brothers, Curtis and Carroll Parks, and half-brother Denton Panky. Paul was the baby of his family. He suffered the accidental loss of his leg in 1954 due to gunshot. He refused to allow this to keep him from doing what he wanted. Paul graduated from Valley High School in 1965 and went on to complete a 3 year program in mechanics at Bailey Technical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. On October 29, 1966 at Potosi, Missouri, Paul was united in marriage to Ruth Womack. Their 39 year commitment blessed them with three children. Paul was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Those who remain to mourn the passing of life include his wife, Ruth Parks of Belgrade; one son, Lanny Parks of Potosi and his children David and Lane Parks; two daughters, Paula Rinne and husband Scott and their children Brenden and Keegan Rinne of Belgrade, and Tina Civey, husband Michael and their children Hayden, Hayley and Hunter Civey of Caledonia; three brothers, Darrell Parks and wife Peggy of Odessa, Texas; E.L. Parks and wife Susie of Belgrade and Harold Parks and wife Shirley of Gamael, Arkansas; three sisters, Ina June Schrum and husband Scottie of Potosi; Maxine Dubay and husband Bill of Caseyville, Illinois and Doris Fitzwter of Steelville; nieces; nephews and many other relatives and friends who will sadly miss him. Paul Parks was a family man and has a host of family members who will greatly miss his presence in their lives. His grandchildren were his passion and all family children benefited from his love and wisdom. He was a dear brother, uncle, cousin and friend and will be truly missed. Paul was formerly a journeyman mechanic and welder. He worked for over 23 years at Fruehauf Trucking Co., St. Louis, where he was the shop steward for many years. He was a long time member of Local Lodge 777 of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. In June 2005, Paul received a Gold Veterans Badge, acknowledging thirty years of service to his fellow employees, thereby gaining him the lasting respect and esteem of all union members, as well as his family and friends. Paul was known as an avid outdoorsman, hunting and fishing as much as time would allow. Paul had many, many friends, some he kept and carried through his whole life. He was Gale's best bud. Paul was led to salvation by Rev. Wendell Nipper. He met and made an impression on others to his dying day. They would like to recognize a friend who made all the difference in Paul's life with special love, thanks and friendship to Jason. Funeral services were conducted Friday, March 17, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the Britton Chapel, Potosi, Missouri with Rev. Harrison Brown and Rev. Wendell Nipper officiating. Honoring Mr. Parks as pallbearers were: Chris Parks, Curtis Parks, Chris McSpaddeen, Michael McClain, Mark Pritchett, Scott Rinne, Michael Civey, Brendon Rinne, Gale Wells, Eddie Womack, Ronnie Pritchett, Robin Parks and Rocky Parks. Interment and final prayers were held at Palmer Cemetery, Potosi, Route. All arrangements were entrusted to the care of the Britton Funeral Home of Potosi. Independent Journal, Potosi, MO, Thursday, March 23, 2006