Paul Dean Parks

Paul Dean Parks, 82, passed away Monday, May 13, 2024 at his son’s home in Kansas City, Missouri.

He was born December 17, 1941 near Admire, Kansas the son of George and Ellen Holmes Parks. Paul attended Northern Heights High School where he graduate with the Class of 1960. He briefly worked at Diddie Glaser in Emporia following graduation.

Paul was forever joined in marriage to Carlene Marie Burenheide on July 3, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Emporia. Paul and Carlene made their home on a farm near Miller, Kansas. They would spend the next 54 years together on the farm.

While Carlene was raising their family, Paul was raising chickens, pigs, cattle as well as Soy Beans, Milo and Corn. Paul served his community for several years as a member of the Rural District #7 Water Board.

Paul’s life forever changed on December 5, 2015 with the passing of his dear wife, Carlene. He carried on the best he could alone on the farm until his health caused him to move in with his son Doug in Kansas City, Mo. three years ago.

Paul will live on in the hearts and memories of his daughter, Teresa Torrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma; a son Doug Parks and his wife Gloria of Kansas City, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Christopher Dobbs, Jessica Meyers, Whitney Thompson, Dalton Parks, Danan Parks, Drue Duffy, Dawson Parks, Draiden Parks and Dailee Parks; three great-grandchildren, Jason, Addison and Vincent. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Derald Parks and his wife Lois, Ralph Parks and his wife Nina and Lawrence Parks and his wife Shirley; two great-grandchildren also preceded him, Jennifer Marie and Jacob Avery.

A Visitation will begin at 10:00A.M. and services will follows at 11:00 A.M., Friday, May 17, 2024 at the VanArsdale Funeral Chapel in Osage City. Burial will follow services at Osage City Cemetery next to his beloved Carlene. Memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetes Foundation or Northland Hospice and sent in care of the funeral chapel. Condolences may be expressed at vanarsdalefs.com.