Joseph William Parks Sr.

Joseph (Joe) William (Parsons) Parks, Sr., aged 88, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025 in Georgetown, Texas of natural causes.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Kathryn (Kathy) Joyce (Bowman) Parks; his three children: Joseph (Joe) William Parks, Jr., Kimberly (Kim) Kay Parks Schaal, and Sean Christopher (Chris) Parks; six grandchildren, David Parks, Bradley Parks, Matthew Schaal, Joshua Schaal, Emily Parks, and Aubrey Parks; and one great-grandchild, Zagan Parks.

Joe was born on February 26, 1937 in Birmingham, Alabama to Evelyn Olivia (West) Parsons/ Parks and Francis (Frank) Joseph Parsons. His stepfather was John Granville Parks. During the World War II years, the family moved to New York before settling in Boothton, Alabama, where John worked as an accountant for the local coal mine. While living in Boothton, Joe survived Bulbar Polio using the Sister Kenny method, which involved applying hot woolen packs to relieve muscle spasms followed by gentle movement exercises. After more than a week in a coma, the treatment was successful, allowing him to live a full and active life.

In 1956, Joe proudly joined Company C of the 949th Armored Ordnance Maintenance Battalion, 49th Armored Division, Texas Army National Guard, serving his country with distinction until receiving an Honorable Discharge in the summer of 1959.

In 1957, Joe married Kathy, and they shared 68 years happily married until his passing; they were together 70 years in total.

Throughout his professional life, Joe built a distinguished career in the petrochemical industry. Starting as a Unit Clerk at Monsanto's Chocolate Bayou facility in Alvin, he worked his way up as an Operator to an I&E Technician, and then a Unit Supervisor in a formaldehyde unit.

After the purchase of Conoco by Du Pont in 1981, and the subsequent separation of the joint venture with Monsanto at the Chocolate Bayou facility, Joe transferred to the new Conoco polyethylene facility in Matagorda, Texas and moved with his family to Sweeny, Texas. Through several mergers and acquisitions with Cain Chemical, Oxy, and Lyondell, Joe progressed and ultimately retired as the Maintenance and Electrical Supervisor for the facility.

Those who knew Joe will remember him for his strong Christian faith. He was ordained Deacon by First Baptist Church in Alvin, Texas on November 2, 1982. He also served as a Deacon for many years at First Baptist Church in Sweeney, Texas, and enjoyed being a greeter in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. In retirement, Joe earned his pilot's license and enjoyed playing golf - a passion that brought him three holes-in-one during his lifetime.

A visitation will be held Friday, November 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Scott Funeral Home in Alvin, Texas with a graveside to follow in the Confederate Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff and friends of Georgetown Living and Tranquility Hospice for their wonderful care in Joe's last years and invites you to share your memories and condolences.

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. - John 5:24

Come and hear, all you who fear God;

let me tell you what he has done for me. - Psalm 66:16 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.