Pastor William “Bill” Parks, 62, Ligonier, went home to forever be with the Lord following a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Kendallville, on Aug. 1, 1953, in Kendallville, to Don and Helen (Eley) Parks. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Esther Smith, on Aug. 19, 1972; she survives.
Also surviving are their beloved sons: Ryan (Kelly) Parks, Avilla; Jared (Lindsey) Parks, Terre Haute; and Neal (Melissa) Parks, Ligonier; nine grandchildren; his mother: Helen Parks, Avilla; four brothers: Steve (Cheryl) Parks, Avilla; Bruce (Karen) Parks, Rome City; Paul (Becky) Parks; and Jim (Karen) Parks, also of Avilla. He was welcomed into everlasting life by his father: Don Parks; and his sister: Evelyn Whitcomb; as well as many brothers and sisters in Christ.
Bill was a graduate of East Noble High School and earned dual Master degrees in Church Leadership and Theological Studies. His lifetime love of learning and memorizing scripture served him well in his calling. Bill pastored for thirty-five years; six in Crawfordsville, IN, and twenty-nine at Trinity Assembly of God in Ligonier. He was also very passionate about missions and helping other pastors learn and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. This passion led him to take over a dozen trips to Nicaragua for which he helped raise funds for pastors living in poverty. He and his team also facilitated conferences to help further the training of these pastors.
In Bill’s honor, and in keeping with his wishes, a memorial service focused on Christ will be held at Trinity Assembly of God, Ligonier, at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Bill’s three sons will lead the service. A private family burial will take place at Avilla Cemetery in Avilla. Family and friends will be received at Trinity Assembly of God from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 22.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, you have a choice. The Nicaragua Missions Fund (checks made payable to King’s Chapel, the church in Springfield, Mo., through which the project runs) or Trinity Assembly of God, Ligonier.
Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com.