Loren Ray Parks, 78, rural Fredonia, died Saturday, July 17, 2010 at Fredonia Regional Hospital. He was born April 7, 1932 in Ponca City, Okla., the son of Lawrence and Leona Komma Parks. Parks served 24 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1972 as a chief master sergeant. Following his retirement from the Air Force, he most recent was employed for 16 years at Fredonia Regional Hospital as a lab tech and also managed the department.

On Feb. 10, 1951 in Honolulu, Hawaii, he was united in marriage with Martha L. Estrella. She survives, at their rural home in Fredonia.

He was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fredonia.

Also surviving are seven children, Robyn Mowen, Roseville, Ill., Lawrence Parks, Wichita, Crystal Rock, Roseville, Ill, Stephanie Oros, Alabama, Cami Parks, Atlanta, Ga., Paula Parks, Emporia, Loren Parks II, Emporia, 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by a son, Paul Richard Parks in 2001; and one granddaughter, Sarah Lynn Parks.

Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. today, July 20 at Sacred Heart Church. Military rites will be conducted in the Sacred Heart Cemetery. A memorial has been established with the Fredonia Regional Health Care Foundation and contributions can be sent to Timmons Funeral Home, PO Box 168, Fredonia, KS, 66736. Words of condolence for the family may be sent to www.timmonsfuneralhome.com.