Obituary of Chester Alvln Parks

Chester Alvin Parks passed away on Thursday, December 12, 2013, in Tucson, AZ. Chester was born February 10, 1923, to Lemiel A. and Mabel E. Parks in New Hampton, MO. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Jean (Gilpin) Parks, and his son, David Alan Parks. He is survived by his daughter, Jane Parks of Tucson, AZ; granddaughter, Shannon Parks of Tucson, AZ; grandsons, Michael Parks of Tucson, AZ, Britt Mullins of Fairfax, Virginia, and Mark Mullins of Truth or Consequences, NM; ten great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Clark E. and Carol Parks of St. Louis, MO. In 1941, Chester graduated from Bethany High School in Bethany, MO. He had earned a track scholarship, which enabled him to attend Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO, at which time he was a member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity. While in attendance, Chester met his beloved Jean. Chester and Jean were married on October 29, 1944, in St. Joseph, MO, just before Chester deployed for WWII. Chester served with the United States Navy as an officer aboard the USS LST (H) 929. Upon returning to the United States in 1946, Chester earned a Bachelor of Science from Northwest Missouri State University. Chester and Jean then relocated to Greeley, CO, where Chester earned a Master of Arts degree from Colorado State University in 1949. Chester then took a teaching position at the State Teachers College in St. Cloud, MN. In 1952, Chester accepted a position as an Industrial Arts Specialist with The Institute of Inter-American Affairs Division of Education Point-4 program in La Paz, Bolivia, South America. In 1954, Chester and Jean moved their family, "sight unseen," to Tucson, AZ, where Chester received a position with Tucson Unified School District. Chester was an Industrial Arts and Drafting teacher at Tucson High School and Catalina High School. Ultimately, Chester became a High School Counselor at Catalina High School, where he remained until his retirement in 1984. From 1965 -1995, Chester and Jean had a second home in Guaymas, Sonora, Mexico, where Chester spent his time sailing. He loved the sea and was truly at peace while sailing. After spending so much time in Mexico, Chester became invested in and in love with Mexico and its people. Chester and Jean both were strong and dedicated workers for Christ as members of Catalina United Methodist Church. Chester dedicated many years doing missionary work in Mexico. Chester organized and helped build a Methodist church and two medical clinics in Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico. Gela Villicana, pastor of Fuente de Vida Iglesia Metodista, described Chester as, "a dear friend and supporter of the work here for 13 years. Chester was a primary mover in the establishment of the Church and mission. His dedication and enthusiasm continue to bless us and have inspired many of the Churches and individuals, in Arizona and beyond, who participate in or donate to the work here. He has also become a blessing to 2 non-profit Hospitals here In Agua Prieta." Chester was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, mentor and friend in the truest form; and he will be greatly missed. A Celebration of Life Service in remembrance of Chester will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Catalina United Methodist Church in Tucson, AZ. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.