George Parks

George Edward Parks went home to the Lord on February 22, 2017 at his home in Opelousas, Louisiana surrounded by family. A strong and loving husband, father, brother and Paw Paw, he is survived by his wife of 41 years, Bernita "Bonnie" Dupre Parks; his daughters Kelly Parks Strenge and husband Kraig of Lafayette, La. (Erin and Emily Strenge, granddaughters), and Shari Parks Fletcher and husband David of Dry Prong, La. (grandchildren Kyle Lenamon and wife Mary Ann; and Jesse Sanchez, husband Nik and granddaughter Lilith); his sister Wilma Parks Howard and husband Jack (The Woodlands, Tex.); step-children Roman and Vickie Daire (Opelousas, La.), Kendra and Bill Emmons (Clearwater, La.), Carol Mancil (Washington, La.), and Becky Doucet (Lewisburg, La.); step-grandchildren Kayla, Nick, Chad, Judd, Vanessa, Jamie, Jonathan, Amy, Brook, Billy Jo, Chuck and Crystal; 17 step-great grandkids; and brother- and sister-in-law Gus and Madeline Dupre. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jessie Columbus Parks and Gussie Crain Parks, and step-children Debbie Fontenot, Charlotte Kennedy and Jimmy Daire. He also leaves behind canine companions Simone, Sara and Shadow, and the big fat cat, Precious.

Born October 20, 1934 in Daisetta, Texas, George graduated from Sweeny High School in Sweeny, Texas in 1952. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in music education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas in 1957. He reported to the Army directly from college, earning the rank of Staff Sargent during his years of service. He was stationed at Fort Gordon, Georgia where he served as band director.

After the Army, George taught band, from beginner through high school, in several Texas public schools for six years. His love of music influenced his daughters to be active in band in their school careers. He went to work for Travelers Insurance in 1965 and was eventually transferred to Lafayette. It was after his move to Louisiana that he learned to enjoy outdoor activities like hunting and fishing. He and his wife owned several camps through the years and spent many weekends and vacations there. He also loved to travel and, after retiring at the age of 58, traveled throughout the United States with Bonnie.

Visitation will be held at Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home, 2845 S. Union St. in Opelousas on Friday, February 24 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, February 25 from 8 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Reverend Michael Green of South College Church of Christ in Lafayette will officiate the funeral services. A military burial will be observed at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Prairie Ronde, 3681 Hwy. 104, Opelousas. Pallbearers will be Jonathan Mancil, Kyle Lenamon, Chuck Doucet, Nicholas Daire, Judd Kennedy and Chad Fontenot.

Special praise goes to Lynette Thomas.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.
LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas, 2845 South Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570, (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Visitation

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Friday, February 24, 2017
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Opelousas
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, February 25, 2017
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel
2845 South Union Street
Opelousas, LA  70570
Saturday, February 25, 2017
1:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Sacred Heart Cemetery
3681 Hwy 104
Prairie Ronde, LA  70550