Loren Ray Parks

Loren Ray Parks, 78, a resident of rural Fredonia, Kansas, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born April 7, 1932 in Ponca City, Oklahoma, the son of Lawrence and Leona (Komma) Parks. Loren served 24 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1972 as a Chief Master Sergeant. Following his retirement from the Air Force, Loren worked various jobs, including a teacher at Cowley County Community College and a principal at the Ark City Community Christian School. Loren also spent time as a farmer and operated the Continental Restaurant in Emporia. Most recently, he was employed for 16 years at Fredonia Regional Hospital as a lab tech and also managed the department. On February 10, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was united in marriage with Martha L. Estrella. She survives at their rural home in Fredonia. Loren was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia and the Knights of Columbus. He also held memberships in the American Legion and the V.F.W. and lifelong subscriptions to National Geographic and Reader"s Digest. His hobbies were many, but included spending time with his grandkids, doing woodworking projects, bird-watching and playing Mr. Fix-It. Survivors, in addition to his wife, Martha, include: Seven Children: Robyn (Dan) Mowen of Roseville, IL Lawrence (Paula) Parks of Wichita, KS Crystal Rock of Roseville, IL Stephanie Oros of Alabama Cami Parks of Atlanta, GA Paula Parks of Emporia, KS Loren Parks II of Emporia, KS 20 Grandchildren and 30 Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Les Parks; one son, Paul Richard Parks in 2001; and one granddaughter, Sarah Lynn Parks. Funeral Mass will be held on at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at Sacred Heart Church with Father Stephen Thapwa officiating. Military rites will be conducted in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Timmons Funeral Home on Monday evening, 5:00 P.M.-7:00 P.M. A memorial has been established in Loren"s name with the Fredonia Regional Health Care Foundation and contributions can be sent to the funeral home. Words of condolence for the family may be left on this website. Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736, is in charge of the arrangements.