Ronald “Ronnie” K. Parks, 85, left this earth in quiet and peaceful
comfort on December 6, 2022, at the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart,
Kan.. He was born September 29, 1937, in Stafford, Kan., the only son of
Charles K. and Elizabeth G. (Logue) Parks.
He married Joan
(Gallaugher) in Enid, Okla. on April 17, 1959. They would welcome their
first child, Kenneth J. Parks in November of that year. Their second
child, Julie Parks was born July 12, 1961, and they completed their
family with the birth of their third and final child, Ronald “Stony” L.
Parks on October 2, 1962.
Ronnie was a man for his time and place,
finding success through his hard work and determination. From his humble
beginnings, he built a life and raised a family with his wife, Joan.
They lived in Medicine Lodge, Kan., Ellis, Kan., Ellinwood, Kan., and
eventually settled in Woodward, Okla. after his retirement.
He
built his career in the oilfield, working for Gabbert & Jones
Drilling Company and eventually Cheyenne Drilling Company until his
retirement in 2002. His work ethic was revered by all those he worked
with and it subsequently propelled him through the ranks of the drilling
industry. After his retirement, Cheyenne Drilling would go on to name a
rig after him.
He was the foundation and stronghold for his family
in good times and otherwise. He was strong and quiet, but full of love
and support. He was the ultimate provider to those he loved.
He is survived by his eldest son, Kenny and wife Tonya of Elkhart, Kan.;
grandson Tyler Parks of Hugoton, Kan.; grandson Chance and wife Chelsey
Parks of Ratliff City, Okla. and their children, his
great-grandchildren, Andria and Kenneth; granddaughter Whitney Parks of
Hays, Kan.; grandson Cole Parks of Elkhart, Kan., grandson Caleb Parks
of Woodward, Okla.; and sister Velta Youngblood of Tucson, Ariz.; and
numerous nieces and nephews.
Ronnie is preceded in death by
his parents; wife Joan Parks; daughter Julie Parks; son Ronald “Stony”
Parks; grandson Brent Parks; and sister Shirley Carmin.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 10, 2022, at
Larrison Funeral Home, in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. Interment will follow
at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, KS. Visitation will be from
1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Friday, December 9, at Larrison Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com.