Ronald (Dee) Parks

Marion- Ronald Dee Parks, 45, of Marion, died at 5:30 AM, Friday, July 2, 2004 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis. Ronald was born on June 23, 1959 in Marion to James Ronald & Roberta R. (Steele) Parks. He married Karla Lee on September 2, 1979 in Crab Orchard. She survives of Marion. Mr. Parks worked as a machinist and mode-maker for Maytag in Herrin. He was of Methodist faith. Dee was a family man who enjoyed spending time in the yard landscaping with his wife and pond fishing for whatever was biting. He was a gifted craftsman. He loved to build and design wood furniture; tables, chairs, etc. He once built a picnic table for his family, which has withstood fifteen years of use. SURVIVORS: Wife- Karla Parks- Marion Son - Jason Dee Parks & fiance Bethany Bradley- Herrin Daughter- Krystal Marie Parks- Herrin Mother- Roberta R. Parks- Goreville Brother in law- Kevin Charles Lee- Marion Sister in law & brother in law- Kelly & Stanford Sparks- Johnston City Nephew- Joshua Lee- Marion Niece- Shannon Sparks- Johnston City Niece- Shawn Sparks- Johnston City Several cousins and friends and beloved pets He was preceded in death by his father, grandparents, and sister in law; Karen Lee. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion. Pastor Jeff Odum will officiate. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 5-9:00 PM, Monday, July 5, 2004 at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to the Leukemia Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register; please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.