Clyde D. Parks

Clyde D. Parks, age 81, of Welda, Kansas, passed away on Monday, October 31, 2022, at Parkview Heights in Garnett, Kansas.

Clyde Dean Parks was born on March 7, 1941, in Garnett, Kansas. Clyde was the second of three children born to Ross Eldon and Pansy (Ellis) Parks. He grew up on a farm southeast of Westphalia, Kansas, graduating from Welda High School with the class of 1959. Clyde then attended school at Grand Island, Nebraska where he studied accounting and bowling. Following school, he worked as an accountant for Union LP Gas in Independence, Kansas. This proved to be more than a first job, it was also where he met his future wife, Janice. Following their engagement, Clyde took a position with Sinclair Oil, in Independence, within a few months Clyde was transferred to the corporate office in Chicago, where he worked as an efficiency expert. On January 12, 1964, Clyde was united in marriage to Janice Stroble in Independence, Kansas. After three years of doing well within the company and with the arrival of their first child, Richard, Clyde and Janice made the decision to return to Kansas to pursue a life on the farm where they could raise their family. In 1967, they rented the farm that would become home for 55 years. Life on the farm saw the birth of two additional children, Kim and Rusty. Over the years, cattle were a mainstay and the farm also saw buffalo, horses, llamas, hogs, in addition to many bird dogs. Clyde and Janice worked side by side in the fields while growing the size of their farm. In 1991, a farm partnership was created with Richard, and the farm increased in size as they continued to raise wheat, soybeans, corn and milo. The farm was integral to Clyde. Even as his health declined, he still wanted to be apprised of the farm operations. Clyde also sold Hoegemeyer seed for 31 years. He embodied the idea of being a good neighbor and loved his Welda community, doing countless unknown acts to help neighbors with everything from clearing snow, harvesting crops to helping with their cattle. Clyde loved bird and deer hunting with his family and countless friends. In his later years, the only thing that pulled Clyde away from the farm was attending his grandchildren's activities.

Clyde served twenty years on the USD 365 school board, serving many years as board president. Some of his other positions included serving on the Anderson County Co-Op Board for many years, Kansas Livestock Association and reestablishment of the annual county meetings, and on the Anderson County Farm Bureau board, serving as president for several years. He was especially proud of their launch of "Day on the Farm" for area 3rd grade students. The first several years for "Day on the Farm'' was at Clyde and Janice's home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ross and Pansy Parks; and his brother, Max Parks.

Clyde is survived by his wife, Janice Parks, of the home; three children, Richard and Jody Parks of Welda, Kim Moreland and Marcus of Louisburg, Kansas, and Russ Parks of Olathe, Kansas; six grandchildren, Izzy, Avery, Evan, Nate, Jadyn and Rhett; sister, Shirley Benjamin of Welda; and numerous cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Garnett, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Welda Cemetery, Welda, Kansas. Clyde's family will greet friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Welda Community Building or to the Anderson County FFA Scholarship and left in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com