CARTHAGE, NY — Lawrence D. Parks, 79, of Rogers Crossing Road, Carthage, passed away Thursday evening, Jan. 17, 2019, at Crouse Hospital in Syracuse surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was born on May 21, 1939, in Watertown, the son of the late Fredrick L. and Edna Marie (Robinson) Parks. Larry served in the military from 1956 until 1961. He was a tractor trailer driver for Smith Transport for many years before becoming a quality control inspector at New York Air Brake in Watertown for 17 years, retiring due to a disability in 1993. He married the love of his life, the former Ann E. Jenkins on August 25, 1984 at Ann’s childhood home in Camps Mills. The couple were inseparable. Together they raised their children at their home on the Rogers Crossing Road along with their German Shepherds. Larry always took great pride in their property. The things Larry enjoyed most in life were spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved watching the New York Giants games with his son Daniel.
Larry was a member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church, a former member of the Carthage American Legion and the Eagles Club in Watertown. Larry was a trustee for several years at Carthage United Methodist Church and oversaw the Christmas Food Basket program.
He is survived by his wife: Ann E. Parks of Carthage, two daughters: Dawn Bugnits of Poughkeepsie and Lori Dusharm of Watertown, four sons: Daniel Parks and his wife Rachel of Carthage, Mark Wentling of Massachusetts and Larry Parks Jr. and Carl Parks, both of Arkansas, 9 grandchildren, Lukas and Noah Parks, Richard Allmon, Liam O’Reilly, Alexander and Aidenne Bugnits, Averi Wilson and Robert and Dale Dusharm, numerous nieces and nephews and his beloved German Shepherds, Bogey Bear and Zelda. He is predeceased by 5 brothers, Donald, Jack, Sunny, Paul and Jim Parks and 4 sisters, Sally Balch, Catherine Roberts, Bertha Kirby and Mary McFall and numerous German Shepherds that he raised.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23 at the Calvary Assembly of God Church with Rev. David Frank officiating. A calling hour will precede the service from 1-2 pm at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA or to Sarah House, Syracuse. The Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home is assisting the family.
To leave an online condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.
