Clyde Eugene Parks

OBITUARY Clyde Eugene Parks, known to all as Gene, of St. Clair, MO departed this life at his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, having reached the age of ninety-four years, six months and fourteen days. Gene was born in Washington, MO on February 6, 1931, son of Clyde John Parks and Josephine Bell Parks nee Miller. As a young man he was united in marriage and blessed to have six children. Gene is survived by three sons, Larry Parks and wife, Dixie, of O'Fallon, MO, Garry Parks and wife, Kathy, of St. Simons, GA and Kevin Parks of St. Clair, MO; by one daughter, Cheryl Danz and husband, Mark, of Davenport, IA; by his daughter-in-law, Linda Parks of St. Clair, MO; by thirteen grandchildren, twenty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, great and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and many friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Josephine Parks; by one son, Mike Parks; by one daughter, Linda Lottmann; by his brother, Nathan Parks; and by his sister, Goldie Patton. In his younger years he was employed by Pea Ridge Mines in Washington County, MO as a driller for about seventeen years before becoming self-employed breeding, raising and training quarter horses. Gene also owned Party Town USA in St. Clair, MO for a short time. He was a past member of St. Clair Saddle Club, American Quarter Horse Association and the National Rifle Association. Gene enjoyed riding horses, going hunting, working in his vegetable garden and canning his produce. He also enjoyed doing leather crafts and was quite the artist, painting especially Indian art and longhorn skulls. What meant most to him was time spent with family. The love they shared and many precious memories they created together will forever be cherished by them all. A kind and loving father, father-in-law, grandfather, great and great-great-grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle, great and great-great-uncle, cousin and treasured friend, he will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Friday, August 29, 2025 at Russell Colonial Funeral Home in St. Clair, MO with Rev. Raymond Laramore officiating. Interment will be in Prospect Cemetery in Lonedell, MO. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.