KC Clarence Parks

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of KC Clarence Parks, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He passed away peacefully at his home in Murrieta, California, on December 20, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

KC was born in Rincon, New Mexico, to KC Chester Parks and Josephine Clark Parks. He grew up alongside his three siblings, Janet Parks Drescher, Virginia Medina and Leo Parks.

At the age of 17, KC proudly joined the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. As a member of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Marine Division, he served with bravery and distinction. While on patrol, he was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice. He also received several other medals for his service and dedication to his country.

Upon his return from Vietnam, KC met and married Irene Orosco. Together, they had three children: Ignacio, Eleanor, and Laquita, and a stepdaughter, Jackie Brown. They made their home in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where KC served as a police officer for the state of New Mexico. Later, the family moved to California, where KC enjoyed a long career as a truck driver and tour driver. In 2002, he began a role with Cal Fire, transporting “Hot Shot” crews, which he thoroughly enjoyed.

KC was passionate about sports and was a high school softball coach and travel softball coach for his children’s teams. An avid fan of Oklahoma University football and softball, KC’s enthusiasm for the games was infectious. He also enjoyed bowling and in his younger years studied martial arts, which he earned his black belt in.

In the 1970s and 1980s, KC was an active member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest and largest Hispanic civil rights organization. As a strong advocate for equal rights, KC worked to lead by example, proudly displaying photos of Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy in his home to remind his family of the importance of justice and equality.

After Irene’s passing in 2002, KC was blessed with a second chance at love when he met Mary. They were happily married for 20 years and loved to travel together. Their adventures included numerous trips with close friends Sally and Roy Furman. Other longtime cherished friends are Lilly and Santos Quintana, Joe and Maria Portugal, and Charles and Susan Mascarinas. KC and Mary’s bond was built on shared joy, laughter, and experiences together.

KC was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, cherishing his blended family of seven children, twenty grandchildren, and nineteen great-grandchildren. He had a remarkable green thumb and loved gardening, often sharing the fruits of his labor with friends, family, neighbors, and even his doctors. His kindness, generosity, and zest for life will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

KC’s family and friends will forever remember him with love in their hearts. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion, strength, and unwavering love. May he rest in peace.

Family Members

Survived by his beloved:

Wife: Mary Ida Parks

Sister: Janet Parks Drescher

Children: Ignacio (Emma Vallejo) Parks, Eleanor (Gary) Lack, Laquita Parks

Stepchildren: Suzanne Caspary, Martha Sechler, Eugene (Marcellina) Silva, Marco (Kristi) Silva, Jackie (John) Brown

Grandchildren: Jessica Ruiz, Joseph Ruiz, Vincent Ruiz, Amber Vallejo Parks, Raymond Vallejo Parks, David Vallejo Parks, Rodrigo Vallejo Parks

Step-grandchildren: Tiffany (Anthony) Pedroza, Tanya (James) Jones, Ricky Caspary, Ryan (April) Caspary, Michael (Sophie) Silva, Krista (Cullen) Perine, Kyle Sechler, Kiley Silva, David Silva, Kayla Silva, Matthew Brown, Nathan Brown

Preceded in death by:

Parents: KC Chester Parks and Josephine Clark Parks

Siblings: Virginia Medina and Leo Parks

Grandson: Anthony Vallejo Parks

Son-in-law: Carl Caspary

A visitation will be held at Miller-Jones Menifee Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 26770 Murrieta Rd., Menifee, CA 92585, on February 13, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. The funeral service will follow at the same venue from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The committal will take place at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, CA 92518, on February 13, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.