MILLER, Kan. – Lawrence Edwin Parks, Miller, Kan., passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, June 3, 2021. Lawrence was born April 4, 1930, to George and Ellen Holmes Parks, in Miller.
Lawrence graduated from Miller High School in 1948. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley N. Parks, March 26, 1950. They were married in the house where they lived together for 68 years. Lawrence’s beloved wife, Shirley, preceded him in death in January 2019. Lawrence was an avid farmer and cattleman until he retired to care full time for Shirley.
He is survived by his four children, Carolyn Duncan (Ron), Shawnee, Kan., Dianne Stapleton (Paul), Springfield, Mo., David Parks (Sarah), Miller, Duane Parks (Chris), Miller; 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren; a brother, Paul Parks, Reading, Kan.; sisters-in-law, Berenice Tredway (Larry), Galva, Kan., and Pat Johnson, New Ulm, Minn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents; brothers, Derald Parks (Lois), and Ralph Parks (Nina); parents-in-law, Ed and Fern Johnson; brothers-in-law, Dr. Lawrence Johnson (Doris), Glenn Johnson (Lois), Norman Johnson, and Gary Johnson; sisters-in-law Carlene Parks, Marilyn Miller (Byron), Ardis Williams (Bill), Christine Johnson.
Lawrence was a devoted husband, father and neighbor. He prided himself in being involved in the community by serving on USD 251 Board of Education for 10 years and as president for several of those years. He was a member of the Miller United Methodist Church, where he served as treasurer for 10 years. He was a member of the Miller Methodist Friendship Class, and was one of the original committee members for the Lord’s Herd cattle project. He also served as a member of Lyon County Planning and Zoning. He thoroughly enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s activities, especially sporting events. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family and especially Shirley’s Sunday family dinners. He loved playing croquet and cards.
Services will be 2 p.m. Monday, June 7, at Miller United Methodist Church, Miller. The family will receive friends Sunday evening 6-7:30 p.m. at VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, Osage City. Burial will follow services at Osage City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Miller Lord’s Herd fund, Emporia Hand in Hand Hospice Care, or Topeka Elara Caring Hospice, and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Home, 107 North Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences can be left at vanarsdalefs.com.
