John David Parks

Stevensville - John David Parks was born in Missoula in 1938 and went home to be with his Lord and Savior August 9, 2021. John was known as a compassionate and caring person who loved to make people laugh and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Arlee and Mary Parks, brother, James Parks and sister, Arlene Goudette. John is survived by numerous friends and his family; wife, Deborah Parks; sons, Gary, Brian, Bruce and Kevin Parks along with their families; step-daughter, Lacey Kuntz along with her family; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 3 nieces of brother James Parks; 1 niece and 2 nephews of sister Arlene Goudette. John will also be remembered with love by extended family members from both his first and current marriages as well as friends and co-workers over the years. John was raised and attended school in Missoula County. He enjoyed football, baseball, track and basketball during his high school years and continued on playing with the Missoula City softball and basketball leagues. Throughout his life, John loved to hunt, fish, camp and play golf. As a young man, John liked to compete in rifle matches and was a member of the Hellgate Rifle Club. At age 17 John started his own appliance repair business which he ran for 37 years. John was hired at the Missoula City Fire Department in 1959. He took over as MFD’s mechanic in 1967. John was promoted to Lieutenant in 1976, to Captain in 1978 and to Battalion Chief in 1981. He took over as Training Officer in 1982 and retired from MFD in 1988. He began working for the Missoula County Public School District No.1 as a food delivery driver in the early 1990’s. Later in life, John drove a transportation van for the River House of Stevensville. A graveside service with Firefighter Honors provided by an Honors Detail with the MFD, will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at the Sunnyside Cemetery, 4454 Sunnyside Cemetery Road in Stevensville with Bob Foss officiating. All are welcome to attend the service and are requested to wear masks. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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