ELKHART — Ronald “Ronnie” K. Parks, 85, left this earth in quiet and peaceful comfort on Dec. 6, 2022 at the Morton County Hospital in Elkhart, Kan.. He was born Sept. 29, 1937 in Stafford, Kan., the only son of Charles K. and Elizabeth G. (Logue) Parks.

He married Joan (Gallaugher) in Enid, Okla. on April 17, 1959. They would welcome their first child, Kenneth J. Parks in November of that year. Their second child, Julie Parks was born July 12, 1961 and they completed their family with the birth of their third and final child, Ronald “Stony” L. Parks on Oct. 2, 1962.

Ronnie was a man for his time and place, finding success through his hard work and determination. From his humble beginnings, he built a life and raised a family with his wife, Joan. They lived in Medicine Lodge, Kan., Ellis, Kan., Ellinwood, Kan., and eventually settled in Woodward, Okla. after his retirement.

He built his career in the oilfield, working for Gabbert & Jones Drilling Company and eventually Cheyenne Drilling Company until his retirement in 2002. His work ethic was revered by all those he worked with and it subsequently propelled him through the ranks of the drilling industry. After his retirement, Cheyenne Drilling would go on to name a rig after him.

He was the foundation and stronghold for his family in good times and otherwise. He was strong and quiet, but full of love and support. He was the ultimate provider to those he loved.  

He is survived by his eldest son, Kenny and wife Tonya of Elkhart, Kan.; grandson Tyler Parks of Hugoton, Kan.; grandson Chance and wife Chelsey Parks of Ratliff City, Okla. and their children, his great-grandchildren, Andria and Kenneth; granddaughter Whitney Parks of Hays, Kan.; grandson Cole Parks of Elkhart, Kan., grandson Caleb Parks of Woodward, Okla.; and sister Velta Youngblood of Tucson, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; wife Joan Parks; daughter Julie Parks; son Ronald “Stony” Parks; grandson Brent Parks; and sister Shirley Carmin.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 2021, at Larrison Funeral Home, in Medicine Lodge, Kan. Interment will follow at the Highland Cemetery, Medicine Lodge, Kan. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, at Larrison Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at www.larrisonmortuary.com.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Larrison Funeral Home

120 E. Lincoln

Medicine Lodge, KS 67104

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Dec. 9, 2022