Edward Alan Parko

Alan was born on October 12, 1948, in Grand Junction to Thelma Barbara Parko and Edward Joe Parko. On September 3, 1971, he married the love of his life, Janon Hawkins.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War as an Airman First Class. Working on the F-4 Phantom ignited a lifelong passion for aviation—he made a point never to miss an airshow, always bringing his family along to share in the excitement. Following his military service, Alan earned a degree as an Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Technician from Cannon Aeronautical School in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

He later transitioned from aviation to pursue a career as a sheet metal worker, completing an apprenticeship under his uncle, Harley Terrill. Alan was remarkably skilled with his hands and could fix or build nearly anything he set his mind to. An avid outdoorsman, he spent his hot summer weekends camping, and fishing on the Grand Mesa, casting lines right up until it was time to return home and prepare for work on Monday morning. Above all, Alan was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who cherished every moment spent playing with his grandchildren.

Alan is survived by his beloved wife, Janon Parko; his son, Daniel (Tamra) Parko of West Jordan, UT; his daughter, Dawn (Dewey) Linnebur of Grand Junction, CO; and his grandchildren, Samantha Dennison, Emily Parko, and Jack Parko. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward Parko (1969); his mother, Thelma Parko (1997); and his sister, Marla (2022).

A graveside service with military honors will be held on September 22, 2026 1pm at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado, 2830 Riverside Pkwy, Grand Junction, CO. A luncheon will follow at Crossroads United Methodist Church, 599 30 Rd, Grand Junction, CO at 3pm. Please join us and share stories and memories of Alan.