Merle Parks

Merle W. Parks age 96 of Colchester, passed away Wednesday, August 22, 2018, at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb. He was born July 15, 1922, in Bethel Township to Everett and Bertha Robinson Parks. Merle was united in marriage on March 2, 1947, in Bethel Township to Mildred Ruth Holstine. She preceded him in death on March 5, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister; Doris Matthews, 1 Brother in law: Tommy Matthews, and 1 Sister in law: Marjorie Parks.
Surviving to mourn his passing are 4 Sons; Troy and Linda Parks, Loraine, William Eugene and Christine Parks, Colchester, Dennis James Parks, Augusta, Sidney Merle and Jeanne Parks, Bloomington, 2 Daughters; Catherine Ellen and Larry Louderman, Colchester, Luan Elizabeth and Scott Voehringer, Indianapolis, IN.,
19 Grandchildren; Lorie (Chris) Calbaugh, Stephanie (Matt) Mencel, Stacie (Ryan) Hunt, Kara (Greg) Adams-Kirn, Megan (Brent) Byarley, Galen (Sara) Parks, Bill (Ashley) Parks, Jennifer (Brian Briggs) Parks, Kailey (Kyle) Graber, Emily Parks, Taylor Parks, Allison (Dan) Otto, Lauren Parks, Cameron Parks, Reagan Parks, Sarah (Dan) Newby, Rebekah (Adam) Hostetter, Faith (Taylor) Long, Miranda Voehringer, 20 Great Grandchildren, 2 Great Great Grandchildren, 1 Brother: Paul Parks, Vermont and 1 Sister: Mary Cook, Macomb.
Merle was a member of the Bethel Baptist Church, He had served on the Colchester United 180 School Board for many years, McDonough County Regional School Board, McDonough County Farm Bureau, American Baptist Men Association. Sold Archer Petroleum Products, Clerked at the Colchester Sale Barn and many auctions in the area for J. Hughey Martin for many years. Farmed his entire lifetime, enjoyed watching Purple Martins. Merle and Ruth were in the Macomb Square Dance Club and enjoyed going to Bluegrass events. He served his country during World War II in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Dodge in Leavenworth Kansas, as a prison guard. The one thing that brought the most joy to Merle’s life was his family. He enjoyed all the times he got to spend with them. Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Friday, August 31, 2018, at the Jones Mortuary in Colchester with Pastor Jim Richardson. Burial will follow the services at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb. Military rites will be preformed at the grave the the Macomb American Legion and Macomb V.F.W. Visitation with the family will be 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the Jones Mortuary. Friends may view and sign the register book at the funeral home after 9:00 A.M. Thursday. Memorials are to McDonough District Hospital Hospice, The Elms Nursing Home, Bethel Baptist Church. To leave condolences to the family visit online at jonesmortuaryfh.com.

Visitation:

5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home

Service:

10:30 A.M. Friday at the funeral home

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