Frank L Parks

Frank L. Parks, 91, of Terre Haute, and formerly of West Terre Haute, passed away peacefully in his home at 2:49 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2014. He retired as a truck driver for Suburban Ready Mix Concrete Company after 40 years of service. He also had been a truck driver for Eastern Express in Terre Haute. He was born Dec. 19, 1922, in Duncanville, Ill., to Stanley Parks and Elizabeth Mitchell Parks.

His wife, Mary Rose Johnson Parks, whom he married on Dec. 9, 1944, preceded him in death on Feb. 15, 2009. Survivors include his two daughters, Elizabeth Lydick and her husband Jim of West Terre Haute and Linda Spangler of Riley; five grandchildren, Mechelle Sweeting and her husband Mike, Amy Jukes and her husband Ed, Eric Spangler and his wife Shelly, Jenna Lydick, and Trey Lydick, all of Terre Haute; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a special friend, Mollie Carter; and several nieces and nephews. He also was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Vivian Scarbrough, and Irmajean Daugherty; and four brothers John Parks, Sherman Potts, Jerry Parks, and Robert Parks.

Frank was proud to have been a veteran of two wars having served in the U.S. Army during both World War II and the Korean War, of which he earned several honors and medals including two bronze stars, a good conduct medal and victory medal, among others. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 972, the teamsters union where he had served as a union steward, and he had been a member of the West Terre Haute Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Frank loved and protected his family, especially his grandchildren and provided for their every need. He loved spending time outdoors hunting, fishing and taking care of his home. He was very talented and could do anything he set his mind to. He will be missed by many who love him dearly, and he will remain forever in their hearts.

Funeral services for Frank will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2014, in Fitzpatrick Funeral Home, 220 N. 3rd St., in West Terre Haute. Burial will be in Roselawn Memorial Park with military graveside rites by the Vigo County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Monday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregivers Tammy Bensaeed, Anita Bryant, Tina Coplan, Sarah Stieglitz, Kassie Thompson, and Amy Walker for the wonderful loving care they provided to Frank.

“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” (Helen Keller).