Henry Earl Parks Jr., 95 of Irvington, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022.
He was born on the same day in 1927, the son of Henry Earl Sr. and Blanche (Batson) Parks in St. Catherine, MO. He married Christine L Stonecipher and 3 sons were born of this union. She preceded him in death. Henry found love again and married Dolores Howell in June of 1966. She survives him in Irvington in the home they have shared together for over 50 years.
Survivors that will smile when remembering Henry are his wife of 54 years, Dolores “Dee” Parks of Irvington; sons, Michael Parks (Mary) of Kansas City, MO, Stephen Parks (Katie) of Edwardsville, Il, Randy Parks of Centralia, and step-sons Everet “Butch” Witthaus Jr. of Alton, Il, Joseph Witthaus (Darlene) of Hoyleton, IL; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.Henry was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Blanche Parks; the mother of his children, Christine Abinathy; 2 sisters, and 1 brother.
Mr. Parks was a proud member of the United States Army and served during World War II. He was stationed in Japan as a combat engineer. When he came back to the United States, he supported his family as a machinist for the IC Railroad. He was truly a great mechanic and enjoyed working on his motorcycles which he loved to ride. Henry and his wife Dee were proud of their flower and antique business, which they owned and operated in Irvington, IL called Dee’s Accessory Shop. Henry was able to help the success of her business by working hard with Dolores at the shop or in their tent at vendor fairs. Henry was a devoted member of the Centralia VFW Post 2055 where he served as a past post commander and spent many hours volunteering. He will be deeply missed by all the family and friends who loved him dearly.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2023, with Wayne Sensel officiating at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Interment will follow at Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin where military rites will be accorded by Centralia VFW Post 2055 American Legion Post 446. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in Henry’s honor to the Centralia VFW Post 2055. Online condolences and memories of Henry may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page. Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Henry Parks with arrangements.
