Harold Dow Parks

Harold graduated from Sierra High School in 1958. After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard and was a military veteran. He later attended the California Highway Patrol Academy, graduating in 1968, and went on to serve 15 years as a CHP patrol officer — a role he truly loved. Harold deeply valued the friendships he made in law enforcement and remained closely connected, regularly attending retired CHP breakfasts and spending many years with friends from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. He was one of only three resident CHP officers in the 1970s to serve and assist the Madera county Sheriff's Office .

Throughout his life, Harold worked hard and pursued many endeavors. He worked in his mother’s clothing store, The Men’s Den, and later followed his daughter’s passion for the restaurant business by opening a Pizza Factory, which led to the successful operation of multiple restaurants. Despite his many accomplishments, Harold’s greatest passion and pride was always his family.

Harold is survived by his beloved wife, Maryann Parks; his son, Frank Parks; his daughters, Christine, Tracy, and Tricia; his older sister, Ida Mae Corwin; seven cherished grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. He was a constant and loving presence in the lives of his children and grandchildren, deeply involved and immensely proud of each of them. He will be profoundly missed.

Harold will be laid to rest at Oakhill Cemetery in Oakhurst on Friday, January 16, at 2:00 p.m., beside his parents. All are welcome to attend.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 17, at 12:00 p.m., at Hal’s family home in Coarsegold. Friends and family are invited to join in sharing stories, memories, and eat good food. The address and additional details for the Celebration of Life are provided in the RSVP link below. Please RSVP so we may plan accordingly.

RSVP / Celebration of Life Details:

https://www.evite.com/event/0211IIAE4SKDAASYKEPQ4KOYKR2GEA?utm_campaign=send_sharable_link&utm_source=evitelink&utm_medium=sharable_invite