John V Parks

May 28, 2017 | Obituaries, Obituaries 2017 | 1 comment

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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John K Roberts

6 years ago

He will be greatly missed, my dad (Max Roberts) his cousin and my mom (Frankie) had so many great times with the Parks family.

Kind Words

Thank you both for the patience and understanding on the logistics of BK's funeral arrangements. It was a pleasure to work with you both. My sister, Julie, couldn't have been more pleased. The services you offer are well thought out and executed with compassion.

MHD

Dad has commented several times since mom's passing how her Celebration of Life was such a nice tribute to her and how grateful he was for that process to be handled so smoothly.

Beth W.

You both have exceeded your calling, and I'm so grateful you were there for me.

Marchia

Thank you so much for all of the care and concern you have given our family. We appreciate all of your help in planning the funeral. You did a wonderful job!

The Abram Family

Words will never be enough to properly express our gratitude...Your care for him and your guidance in our hour of need will never be repaid. Thank you, a million times, for you compassion and respectful service.

Nicole

Thank you so much for your compassionate care of our family. You have answered Dad's call to comfort grieving families, and we are so grateful.

Nancy

"Thank you so much for the wonderful help you have been to our family. You met and exceeded our wishes"

Bukeka and Makeda

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Cynthia

"A giant THANK YOU for your knowledge, care, concern, suggestions and friendship"

Joyce F.

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Amy E.

Thanks for making this an easier experience than I could have imagined.

Bill B.

You made the whole experience of losing my Dad so much more bearable thank I could have imagined. Thank you so much for everything.

Paula H.

Thank you again for all of your help, support and encouragement.

Linda S.

I want to thank you and the friend that is making these wonderful white cloths ... whenever I see it it reminds me of a shroud and brings a very pleasant peace.

thank you dear friend

Elaine

I'm Speechless, you are so kind. You made Richard's celebration of Life and awesome experience. Richard and I shared our life together for 45 years and you have put my life in a happier place.
Most Grateful I am, Robert S.

Robert S.

Your service (and that of the other team members at Signature Funerals) was so helpful to my family throughout the aftermath of my dad's death. Thank you again for your sensitive but wide-ranging help and advice. The service and celebration of his life went smoothly and was cathartic to everyone, due in large part to all of you at Signature Funerals.

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Vicki and family

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Jill H.

Cathy Boomer has a very calming influence and sense of peacefulness about her, even in the most emotional situations. She handled all the details of my mother's passing and funeral with professional dignity. She was unobtrusive but in control of all the little details and we, as a family, relied on her with immense satisfaction.

Nancy H.

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Ralph F.

"Thank you so very much for the "In Loving Memory" book. It was truly a lovely meaningful gift for us. And, thank you again for making Michael's final tribute a beautiful lasting memory for us."

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Mark R.

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Eleanor P.

I want to thank you, on behalf of my family, and father in particular, beginning with your presence with us the night of mom's passing in her room. You were a calming presence throughout. Your funeral space is lovely and uplifting. It was, indeed, the perfect space for such a somber, but also celebrated gathering. Thank you for your guidance throughout.

Rebecca B.

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Jim and Leslie

"Thank you so very much for all the work you did for Papa. He was the neatest man and I'm so lucky to have had so much time with him. We are grateful."

Cherlyn

"At such a difficult time, it was comforting to have your respectful and tender care of my mom and her arrangements. The service was a beautiful end to her journey to Heaven. You truly have a unique gift."

Holly G.

"Thank you so much for your care for me and my family after mom's death. Your love and attention was so helpful and you made it easy for me and my siblings to have fun with each other."

Brian O.

"I want to thank Signature Funerals and yourself for everything you have done during this hard time. You made this nightmare into something for us to be proud of. The kindness and love you showed us from day one was truly amazing. God Bless."

Ned and Kimberly

"Thank you so much. Everything was lovely and we have received so many compliments."

Anne E.

"Just want to thank you for helping to give such a nice memorial service for our loved one. You were wonderful and went beyond anything expected. I appreciate it and I appreciate you and the strength you give me."

Debbie Brown

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Mabel B.

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Marta Reber Warren

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Bryan C. Nelson M.D.

"Even though the passing of my father was a traumatic experience as would be expected, working with Cathy Boomer and the team at Signature Funerals, made the entire experience one to be cherished and remembered in only the most positive of lights. From the time hospice was called in to assist my father and our family through his final transition, to the planning and actual day of his service Signature Funerals handled every detail. In particular Cathy Boomer displayed an innate and unique ability to explain each and every step, being very careful not to overwhelm us during a very fragile time for our family. Looking back on this, it is evident that this is not only an important piece if ensuring a pleasant experience, but that it is a fine line that I believe is not necessarily shared by all that provide the type of service as Signature Funerals. The time that Cathy and the spent with us in the days leading up to my father’s service was focused on anticipating things we may not have thought of, things we needed to know as well as understanding what was important to our family and my father to ensure the service truly did honor his life."

"As said before, Cathy and Signature Funerals, helped our family create a memory that we will never forget and cherish forever. I would happily recommend Cathy and her team over and over again."

Andre Player | Vice President Anthem Media Group