Thomas Grant Parks

Thomas “Tom” Grant Parks, 75, of Unionville, MO passed away on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon, IA.

Tom was born on his Dad’s birthday, November 10, 1940, the son of Albert S. Jr. and Hortense (Routh) Parks at Witham Hospital in Lebanon, IN. He moved from Indiana to Powersville, Missouri in 1976. He was united in marriage on August 30, 1986 to Sharon Thompson Parks, who survives of the home.

Tom was well known for his large turkey farm outside Powersville in the late 70’s, early 80’s. Tom also drove a truck for JB Hunt which allowed him to travel to many different states. He enjoyed visiting 48 of the 50 states. Tom worked on a farm for Hershel Cooley and drove a truck for Russell Cooley and James Fleshman. Later he worked for Continental Insurance, Rain and Hail and Farmers Mutual Insurance of Iowa as a crop insurance adjuster. He really enjoyed traveling the countryside and visiting with farmers.

Tom enjoyed nature, especially watching hummingbirds, purple martins, eagles, and feeding squirrels. Every year he distributed hummingbird calendars to friends and relatives. Tom liked seeing the killdeer birds with his good friend Doug Klinginsmith and trying to find their nest. He collected John Deere & Co items; enjoyed watching Cardinal baseball games and watching the KC Royals win the World Series this year. Tom also enjoyed seeing and reading about train locomotives. He loved riding in his mules (side by sides) and thought everyone should have one. Tom was a member of Powersville Masonic Lodge #278 which later resolved into Hartford Masonic Lodge #171.

Tom was a very devoted husband and father. He always talked about his grandchildren and looked forward to their visits.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dan Parks.

In addition to his wife, Sharon Parks, he is also survived by a daughter, Christina Busby and husband Richie of Lawson, MO, two sons Christopher Parks and wife, Shanin of Princeton, MO and Douglas Parks and wife, Gina of Smithville, MO; one sister Edith and husband Bill Jordan of Virginia; stepsons David Thompson and wife, Elaine of Jefferson City, MO and Eric Thompson and wife Angie of Worthington, MO. Tom leaves his grandchildren TJ (Heather) Busby of Lawson, MO; Brittney (Chris) King of Kearney, MO; Rachelle Parks of Princeton MO; Ella, Ava, Jocie, and Watson Parks of Smithville, MO; and Levi Thompson of Unionville, MO. Also surviving are his great-grandchildren Jilliyn and Maverick Busby, and Tucker Tracy of Lawson, MO; Macey, Myah and Breana King of Kearney, MO.

Funeral services for Tom Parks will be at the Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 10:00 am. There will be no visitation. Interment will follow at the Powersville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Powersville Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th, Unionville, MO 63565.