Obituary for Willard Emerson "Bill" Parks
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Willard Emerson “Bill” Parks, a former longtime resident of Stow, died peacefully April 17, 2021 at his Hudson home surrounded by his family. He was 91.
Born and raised in Watertown, he was the son of the late Arthur F. and Irene A. (White) Parks. He was the loved husband of the late Jill M. (Liebes) Parks, who passed away in 2011. Mr. Parks is survived by their five children: Deborah “Deb” Black and husband Gene, Sally Parks, William “Bill” Parks and wife Martha, Glen Parks and wife Laine, Lori Parks and partner Tom, and his chosen son, Rick Dowen. He is also survived by a brother Edward Parks; a sister Gladys Hoover; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur F. Parks and John “Fred” Parks, and his sister Marie Kelly.
Bill is remembered as a brilliant, mechanically minded man who was passionate about steam engines, and airplanes. He enlisted in the Navy in 1948, serving honorably for 5 years in the engine room aboard the USS Palau and the USS Midway. After his military service, Mr. Parks began his career in aviation as a mechanic. His talent was soon recognized, and he completed a series of certificate programs in California qualifying him to become a flight engineer in the airlines industry. He quickly moved up to the top of his profession enjoying a very successful career that included years of international travel.
Mr. Parks was very active going to the gym daily and walking his dog until the past year. People enjoyed his wit and humor often looking to him for advice on mechanical problems and projects. He was a great story teller, loved his friends and neighbors as well as the time spent with his dog and best friend, Chief. His goodbyes were always “Good Show."
Family and friends are invited to public visiting hours on Friday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. Family services are private. In accordance with current state regulations, masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Those who wish may make memorial gifts in Mr. Parks’ name to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 100 Trade Center, Suite 9-500, Woburn, MA 01801. Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com. Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com
Willard Emerson “Bill” Parks, a former longtime resident of Stow, died peacefully April 17, 2021 at his Hudson home surrounded by his family. He was 91.
Born and raised in Watertown, he was the son of the late Arthur F. and Irene A. (White) Parks. He was the loved husband of the late Jill M. (Liebes) Parks, who passed away in 2011. Mr. Parks is survived by their five children: Deborah “Deb” Black and husband Gene, Sally Parks, William “Bill” Parks and wife Martha, Glen Parks and wife Laine, Lori Parks and partner Tom, and his chosen son, Rick Dowen. He is also survived by a brother Edward Parks; a sister Gladys Hoover; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his brothers, Arthur F. Parks and John “Fred” Parks, and his sister Marie Kelly.
Bill is remembered as a brilliant, mechanically minded man who was passionate about steam engines, and airplanes. He enlisted in the Navy in 1948, serving honorably for 5 years in the engine room aboard the USS Palau and the USS Midway. After his military service, Mr. Parks began his career in aviation as a mechanic. His talent was soon recognized, and he completed a series of certificate programs in California qualifying him to become a flight engineer in the airlines industry. He quickly moved up to the top of his profession enjoying a very successful career that included years of international travel.
Mr. Parks was very active going to the gym daily and walking his dog until the past year. People enjoyed his wit and humor often looking to him for advice on mechanical problems and projects. He was a great story teller, loved his friends and neighbors as well as the time spent with his dog and best friend, Chief. His goodbyes were always “Good Show."
Family and friends are invited to public visiting hours on Friday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30pm at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave (Rte 111) Acton. Family services are private. In accordance with current state regulations, masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Those who wish may make memorial gifts in Mr. Parks’ name to VNA Hospice and Palliative Care, 100 Trade Center, Suite 9-500, Woburn, MA 01801. Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com. Memorial page actonfuneralhome.com