James Earl Parks

James Earl Parks, born May 23, 1935, peacefully passed away on April 25, 2026. He served his country in the United States Army during the years following the Korean War. Earl dedicated over 40 years of his career as an employee with the Ohio Bell Company. He started as a mailroom clerk and worked up to an engineer. He embodied a strong work ethic and commitment to his profession.

A devoted member of Farmersville First Baptist Church, Earl served as Music Director, deeply integrating his life with faith and music. Known for his kindness, humility, and deep love for the Lord, his passion for music remained evident even in his later years, as he could recognize hymns from the very first notes. His life was centered on faith, music, and family, and he cherished his role as a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Earl is survived by his daughter, Jill Marie (Don) Wussler; son, Steve Parks; three granddaughters, Natalie (Jake) Summerville, Katherine (Joe Crowley) Wussler, and Rachel (Caleb Hansman) Parks; daughter-in-law, Teri Parks; sister-in-law, Jan Bowden; and numerous other family and friends who will remember him fondly.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sue A. Parks; father, Van B Parks; mother, Lillie V Parks; brothers, Harold (Hazel) Parks, Clyde (Mary) Parks, and Billie Parks; and sisters, Stella (Eugene) Carter, Lucille (Cecil) Peters, Johnnie (Darrell) Honeycutt.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton.

Visitation will take place on May 1, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the Farmersville First Baptist Church, 334 A N Elm St, Farmersville, OH 45325, followed by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Interment will take place immediately after at Evergreen Cemetery.

Earl will be remembered with respect and gratitude for a life well lived.

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