John Parko

John O'Dell Parko passed away September 13, 2025, at Billings Clinic from complications of Parkinsons.

He was born May 18, 1940 to John and Imogene Parko in St. Louis, MO. The family moved to Seal Beach, California, where John attended middle school and graduated from Huntington Beach High School. In 1961 he began his homestead under the Civil War Act. During that period, he was drafted into the Army and served in the 1st Armored Division until 1965. After an honorable discharge, he returned to Nevada to complete his homestead requirements. At the same time, he worked for Standard Oil as a rough neck and derrick hand.

In 1969, John married his high school sweetheart, Linda, after reconnecting at a reunion meeting. John graduated from Cal State Long Beach with a BA, majoring in Industrial Arts. He earned a Masters Degree from The University of Wyoming after moving his family to Cody, WY. John retired from Cody High School after over 20 years of teaching wood shop.

John had a wonderful smile, an infectious personality, and a goofy sense of humor. He was known by many names throughout his life: Mr. Mighty Fine of the Mighty Fine Construction Company, the High School Double Dipper, Parko John Parko, Pappa John, and Pretty Boy, to name a few. He left this poem to describe his life and work:

If you've never seen solemn skies,

You've never reached sunkist plains

If your palms have never been wet,

Your heart has never been thrilled

If you've never been afraid,

You've never been courageous.

J. P.

John is survived be his wife Linda, their children Gordon Parko, Jennifer (Matt) Harvey, grandchildren Brian and Hayden Parko, Jack and Grace Harvey, cousins Marcia (Bob) Lueders, and Warren Hawkins.

He was preceded in death by his father John O. Parko, mother Imogene Parko, sister Patricia Laird, and brother Dean Parko.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Park County Animal Shelter, Trinity Lutheran Church, or a charity of your choice.

A graveside service will be on October 4, 2025 at 11:00am at Riverside Cemetery's committal shelter, followed by a reception at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cody.