Edward Dale Parks of Urich, MO went home to be with the Lord on December 29, 2022 at Clinton Healthcare and Rehab surrounded by his family. He was 88 years old.
Known to many from his youth as “Rose,” Dale was born in Leeton, MO and was raised and lived the vast majority of his life on the family farm in Henry County, MO. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church in Ballard, MO. His favorite pastime was telling stories. When he wasn’t telling stories about his time in the military, he could be found sitting on his tractor in the field, sitting in his easy chair in the house, or sitting in pretty much any place where there was coffee and conversation. Dale also loved spending time with his family and grandkids on the family farm.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rosco and Ninnie (Whitaker) Parks, three siblings (Gilbert Lee Parks, Louise Johnson, and Charlene Wetzel), and his wife of nearly 60 years, Bettie Lois (Campbell) Parks. He is survived by two sons: Brian (Eileen) Parks of Urich, MO and Randy Parks of Clinton, MO; one daughter, Jenifer (Kevin) Anderson of Lowry City, MO; five grandchildren (or “little rascals”): Leslie Neal, Michael Urton, Brooke (Travis) Shepherd, Matthew (Amelia) Parks and Brandon Parks, and ten great-grandchildren: Lexi Judy; Josie, Priscilla, Clara, Solomon and Bliss Parks; Lillian, Evalynn and Guy Shepherd; and Axel Parks; and many other extended family members and friends.
Memorial services were held Monday, January 2, 2023 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton with Pastor Matthew Parks officiating. Special music included “In the Garden and Amazing Grace,” sung by vocalists, Matthew Parks and Brooke Shepherd. Military honors were under the direction of VFW Post #1894 and the US Army. Inurnment will be in White Oak Cemetery, Urich, MO.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
