Steven Parks

Marion Steven Lee Parks, 58, of Marion passed away at 6:48 PM on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in Heartland Regional Medical Center with his wife and family by his side. Funeral services for Steven are to be held Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4:00 PM at Pittsburg Freewill Baptist Church. Reverends Kevin McNeely and Steve Shea will officiate; interment will follow at Union Grove Cemetery in Pittsburg. A time of gathering to express condolences to Steven’s family will precede the funeral service from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Church. Donations in Mr. Parks’ memory are suggested to St. Jude’s and will be accepted at the Church or may be sent C/O Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Steven Lee was born to Forrest & Dorothy (Hill) Parks, on Wednesday, September 9, 1953 in Williamson County. Sixteen days after his 18th birthday, on Friday, September 25, 1970, he married the love of his life, Ethel Rhoades in Du Quoin. Together they shared nearly 42 years; she survives of Marion. Steven is survived by his devoted wife, Ethel; loving children, Kimberly (Parks) & Tim Ford of New Burnside, Shawn Parks and Alex & Kelly Parks of Marion; adoring grandchildren, Chelsey Ford, Bryce Ford, Aaron Ford, Trey Parks, Tori Parks and Luke Parks; dear siblings, Paula & Bill Anderson of Pittsburg, Tom Parks of Marion, Gary & Dianne Parks of Creal Springs, Tammy & Charles Fricks of Chattanooga, Ernie & Debbie Jack of FL and Debbie & Denny Gilbert of Murphysboro, TN; sisters-in-law, Charlene Parks and Becky Jack. Mr. Parks was preceded in death by his parents, Forrest & Dorothy and brothers, F.E. “Butch” Parks, Jeff Parks and Richard Jack. Steven was a member of the Spillertown Baptist Church who also had a great enjoyment of Southern Gospel Music. He greatly loved spending time with his large family and circle of friends.