John Vernon Parks, 91, of Lenexa, KS passed away quietly and peacefully on May 24, 2017. John (JV) was born on February 14, 1926 on a farm in Pomona, KS. He was the son of Beth Kuebler Parks and Vernon Parks. The best way to describe John is to say that he was a sweet man. Everyone always said that about him.

At age 17, John enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served his country proudly. Immediately after his service, he attended Kansas State University and earned an electrical engineering degree. His first job was as an engineer with Bendix Corporation in Kansas City. This also turned out to be his only job as he spent his entire career with Bendix in various capacities. He met his wife, Catherine Holloway Parks, at Bendix and raised two children, Wendy and Doug.

John was an avid golfer and played whenever he had the opportunity. After retirement, he probably played golf several times per week. As recently as June, 2016, he played a few holes on the Par 3 course in Overland Park. John also had a fondness for dancing, especially to the big band tunes.

John was an excellent writer, so he combined that talent with his love for family history and wrote two genealogical masterpieces. He researched both sides of his family (Kuebler and Parks), and published two separate volumes. He also wrote a story of his time in the Army Air Corps titled “I was an O.L.T.”, (On the Line Trainee). Finally, when his only granddaughter Jaclyn turned 16, he wrote a book “Drive to Stay Alive” because he was concerned about driving safety and noticed most schools were no longer teaching Driver’s Education.

Survivors include his daughter, Wendy L. Acker of Lee’s Summit; granddaughter Jaclyn C. (Acker) Garland of Chicago, IL, former wife, Catherine Parks of Kansas City; son-in-law, John F. Acker and brother James R. Parks of Pomona, KS. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beth and Vernon; son, Douglas Ritchey Parks and brother Lenoel E. Parks.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Catholic Community Hospice 9740 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212.

A Celebration of Life will be held to celebrate John Vernon Parks at Signature Funerals on Sunday, July 30th. The family will greet friends from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Signature Funerals 8019 State Line Road Kansas City, Missouri 64114 816-214-5174 Signature Funerals is located in a retail center, next to AT&T.

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