Merlyn R. Parks

Clear Lake Merlyn R. Parks, 93 of Clear Lake died Tuesday (November 18, 2008) at Oakwood Care Center in Clear Lake. Private Graveside Services will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery Columbarium. Memorials may be directed to Hospice of North Iowa or St. Johns Episcopal Church.
Merlyn was born August 28, 1915 in Mason City, Iowa the son of Walter and Alice (Morris) Parks. He graduated from Mason City High School and attended Mason City Junior College. He married Fayetta Smith on October 2, 1937. He worked for Armour Co. for 38 years, 30 of those managing the Sausage Division. He retired in 1973. During WWII he served in the Mason City squadron of the Civil Air Patrol as a Lieutenant. After retirement from Armour he served as coordinator for the area agency on aging providing services to 20 Iowa counties. He was a lifelong member of St. Johns Episcopal Church and served as Superintendent of Sunday school for 15 years. Merlyn was the Master of the Benevolence Lodge #145 A.F. & A.M. in 1979, and was a member of the High Twelve and White Shrine #6. He volunteered with SCORE (service corp of retired executives) for over 15 years, serving as chairman 3 times. After the death of his first wife Fayetta, he was married to Doris Hughes on July 11, 1992 in Ventura, Iowa. Merlyn loved music of all sorts, dancing, singing and traveling. He was a good handyman and enjoyed building and tinkering with things.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Parks of Clear Lake; daughters, Patricia Swanson and husband Steve of Fort Myers, FL, Denyce Merkel and husband Russ of Rogers, AR; daughter-in-law, Carolyn Parks of Las Vegas; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren;, NV; step-children, Kathy Duea and husband Steve of Mankato, MN, Jim Hughes and wife Jan of Webster City, IA; six step-grandchildren; twelve step-great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife; Fayetta Mae Parks in 1991; son, Charles Michael Parks; and brothers, Morris and Merrill.