ENNIS, Texas -- Joe Dale Parks of Ennis, Texas passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 surrounded by his family.
Joe was born in Ripley County, Missouri on May 9, 1937 to the late George Monroe Sr. and Maude (Bowman) Parks. He spent his youth roaming the hills around Little Black River with his brothers and he attended Doniphan High School. Love of the land is what kept him close to his little farm in Texas. In retirement he would spend many hours tending his gardens.
Joe joined the United States Navy on February 15, 1956. He served 20 years of dedicated service which included two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was forever remembered lovingly as "Chief".
He was united in marriage to Joyce Copit on August 28, 1960. They had one daughter, Sandra Marie Parks. Joyce preceded him in death. He later married Nila Hare and she preceded him in death on February 4, 2015.
Joe is survived by one brother; Roy Parks and wife Rose of Jonesboro, Arkansas, sisters; Rogenia Thurman and husband Larry, Alma Stone and husband David, all of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, daughter; Sandra Parks-Betts and husband Robert of Seymore, Connecticut and the four children he raised as his own; Carol Hare Steele and husband Russell, Robert Hare and wife Denise, Kenneth Hare and wife Lisa, David Hare and wife Dorothy all of Texas. He leaves behind his grandchildren; Danielle Parks and Shelby Valentin both of Seymore, Connecticut, Molly, Tyler and Stacie Steele, Jared and Renee Hare, April and Kenneth Hare, Jr., Jason, Ryan and Rachel Hare and Lesee Holland, along with great grandsons; Conner, Christopher and Dante Valentin, also of Connecticut, and great granddaughters; Evelyn and Audrey Hare.
Joe was also preceded in death by sisters; Ethel Belle Parks and Mary Agnes Fleetwood, along with brothers; George Monroe Parks, Jr. and James Kenneth Parks.
Visitation was held Saturday, September 8 at Boze-Mitchell-McKibbin Funeral Home in Ennis, Texas. Graveside service was September 11 at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.
Paid