E. Vernon Parks

E. VERNON PARKS, age 77 of New Paris, Ohio went to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 22, 2005 at Reid Hospital in Richmond, Indiana. Born on April 2, 1928 in Lewisburg, Ohio, he was the son of the late Elmer & Geneva (Schlotterbeck) Parks. A 1946 Monroe High School graduate he was retired from PC DANA Corp in Richmond, after 35 years of service and was a security guard at the All Seasons Resort. Member, past president and 16 year negotiating committeeman of the U.A.W. Local 279. He served on the New Paris Board of Public Affairs for 35 years and served on the New Paris village council. From 1974 to 1991 he served on the Preble County School board and from 1984 to 1991 on the MVCTC board, serving as President for one year. He was a charter member of the Jefferson Township Booster Club where he assisted in building the baseball fields. He was the Jefferson Township representative for the Preble County Historical Society, member of the First Baptist Church in Richmond, Indiana where he was a deacon and trustee; Member of the Kiwanis Club of New Paris and charter member of the New Creations board in Richmond. Member of the Kentucky Colonels and attended St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in New Paris. He is preceded in death by his brothers: Ray Parks and Lee Parks and sister: Bertie Smith.

Survived by his wife of 57 years: Opal Ann(Steele) Parks; children: Jana Jo Parks of Rupert, Idaho, Terry Vernon Parks of Eaton, Ohio and Linda L. Smith and friend Sang Ho Siler of New Paris; brother: Harold Parks of Fredericktown, Ohio and sisters: Eleanor Hanna of Utica, Ohio and Jean Milholland of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Grandchildren: Kurt (Kelly), Kara and Jared Beisner, Shawn , Lucas and Joey Parks, Jessica and Jana Smith. 4 Great Grandchildren. Nieces and Nephews; Special friends: Mary Jane and Duane Thomas.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. (Ohio Time) on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at St. Paul United Methodist Church-301 East Main St. New Paris, Ohio with Rev. LaDonna Clary officiating. Interment will be held in Springlawn Cemetery-New Paris. Family will receive friends from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. (Ohio Time) Wednesday, May 25, 2005 at the church and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Monroe Alumni Scholarship Foundation-c/o the Sinclair Foundation- 110 W. Main Street- Eaton, Ohio 45320 or to New Creations-Richmond, Indiana. Arrangements entrusted to Barnes Funeral Home- 109 West Main Street, New Paris, Ohio. Condolences may be sent to the family via the Web site at www.barnesfuneralhome.com