Lawrence E. Parks

Lawrence Edwin Parks, rural Miller, passed away peacefully in his sleep Thursday, June 3, 2021.
Lawrence was born April 4, 1930, to George and Ellen Holmes Parks in Miller, KS. He graduated from Miller High School in 1948 and 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 of 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, KS; Dianne Stapleton (Paul) Springfield, MO; David Parks (Sarah) Miller KS; Duane Parks (Chris) Miller, KS; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; a brother, Paul Parks Reading, KS; sisters-in-law Berenice Tredway (Larry) Galva, KS, Pat Johnson New Ulm, MN; numerous nieces and nephews.
Lawrence was preceded in death by his wife Shirley; his parents; his brothers Derald Parks (Lois); Ralph Parks (Nina); parents-in-law Ed and Fern Johnson; brothers-in-law Dr. Lawrence Johnson (Doris), Glenn Johnson (Lois), Norman Johnson, Gary Johnson; sisters-in-law Carlene Parks, Marilyn Miller (Byron), Ardis Williams (Bill), Christine Johnson.
Lawrence was a devoted husband, father & 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 held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, June 7, 2021at the Miller United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6:00 P.M. until 7:30 P.M. at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City. Burial will follow services at Osage City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Miller Lord’s Herd fund; Emporia Hand in Hand Hospice Care; or Topeka Elara Caring Hospice. Memorial Contributions can be mailed in care of VanArsdale Funeral Home 107 North 6th, Osage City, KS 66523. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.