Paul Parks

Madison - Paul C. Parks, age 89, passed into the comforting embrace of his Savior and was reunited with wife Lucille on Friday, June 15, 2018. Born July 20, 1928 on a dairy farm in Hollandale WI., he developed the common sense skills, work ethic and moral grounding that would support him throughout his life. While on leave from armed service as a tank mechanic in the 42nd Cavalry Division of the US Army during the post-WWII reconstruction efforts in Germany, he married Lucille Schmid, his soul mate of nearly 60 years on November 25, 1950. From his 13 year career as an over-the-road truck driver and to the delight of a spectrum of listeners, he would recant, at will, a seemingly inexhaustible storehouse of salty jokes and limericks. The path to his true life passion, to become a fireman, began as a volunteer in 1964 and culminated in the position of Fire Chief of the Village of Shorewood Hills Fire Department which he held from1970 to his retirement in 1983. During his tenure with the fire department, he also directed and trained the Village Maintenance operations staff. He was recruited by the MATC Community Outreach program to teach, help organize and help accredit the volunteer firefighting staffs in numerous rural communities in Wisconsin. After his retirement, he remained an active contributor as resident and to the Services Committee of the Village until 1992. His family continues to admire his accomplishments, his selfless dedication to others and the life lessons he leaves behind. Paul is survived by two sons, Michael of Madison and Jeff (Linda) of Belleville; granddaughter, Ginny Lyn of Belleville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; parents, Peter Omar and Marcella (Hand) Parks; son, Lawrence "Larry" Parks; and brothers, Donald and Robert Parks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. The family expresses their unquantifiable gratitude to the ICU medical staff at Meriter/Unity Point Hospital for their selfless and tireless efforts during his time of need. Also, a special thank you to the staff at the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center for their compassionate and dignified care during Paul's last days with us. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you make donations to the Don and Marilyn Anderson Hospice Care Center, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway; Madison, WI 53711.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434