Forrest Henry Parks Jr.

OKLAHOMA CITY - Forrest Henry Parks Jr. left this earth peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, after a brief illness. He was a gentle, intelligent and witty soul who loved his family and friends deeply. We will all miss him dearly. Forrest was our Dad, Daddy, Grandpa, Parksey, Uncle Bush, Frosty and friend to many, many people. When our family tried to describe Forrest, there were so many words: unselfish, thoughtful, artistic, humble, devoted to his family, smart, witty, quiet, shy, avid reader, excellent writer and athletic. Forrest was born March 27, 1944, in Stephenville to Elizabeth (Gaines) and Forrest Henry Parks Sr. Forrest's father was called away to serve his country and was killed in action in the Philippines in 1945. Elizabeth later married Howard John Johnson. Their family of three was joined by son Albert and daughter Becky in later years. Forrest began school in Stephenville. He graduated from Talpa High School in 1962 and from Tarleton State University in Stephenville in 1966. The week after graduation, Forrest started a long, successful career with Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, retiring in 1991. He is remembered by his coworkers as having a shy smile and just an all-around great guy. He was well liked by his peers and his employees. Our family cannot express enough gratitude to the staff of Integris Southwest Medical Center's Wound Care Center for their attention to Forrest. We appreciate how well they took care of Forrest over the last two years. Many thanks also to Mercy Health Center Intensive Care Unit for their compassion and dedication during his brief illness. You all are the best and we appreciate everything you did to help make Forrest comfortable. Our family appreciates the dedication and commitment of all the doctors involved over the years. Forrest's family and friends loved him beyond words and despite their grief, they rejoice that he is no longer in pain and is resting peacefully. Forrest Henry Parks Jr. was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Henry Parks Sr.; and his parents, Howard John and Elizabeth Faye Johnson. He is survived by his wife, Sandra (Sandee), of 36 years; daughters Nicole Lee Parks and friend Cia Colvin, Mechelle Dalyn Edwards and husband Chad; son Gary Alan Parks and wife Alicia, all of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his brother, Albert Floyd Johnson and wife Jody; and sister Rebekah Fay Brackin and husband Mark, all of San Angelo. Three grandchildren survive him, Austin Edwards, Pierson Edwards and Lucas Edwards. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. Memorial gatherings are planned for later dates in Oklahoma and Texas. In lieu of flowers, Forrest requested donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in remembrance of his mother and mother?in-law and to the American Diabetes Association for the condition from which he suffered for years.