Thomas G. Park

Thomas G. Park of Perryville, Arkansas, died Friday, May 8, 2009, surrounded by his children. Tom was born on July 24, 1922, in Clarksville, Arkansas to Goldburn and Thelma Park. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lucy Snow Park, and his grandsons, Josh Park, Brandon Hopper and Jody Marcum; and his older brother Bill Park. He is survived by three children, Sharon Marcum of Little Rock, Cindy Hopper (John), and Tommy Park (Debbie) all of Perryville; 5 grandchildren: Kristie Cronkhite (Mike), Gretchen Barham (Kevin), and Hannah Carter (Trey); Brooke Maness (Brad); Jennifer Watts; 6 great grand children: Olivia Watts, Kendal and Evan Cronkhite, Natalie Barham, Katherine Maness, and Colin Carter due June 22; siblings Joann Park Walton(Henry), Bob Park (Betty ), Jerry Park (Cheryl), as well as extended family and friends and Spot. His formative years were shaped by the love and values of Dad and Mom Farris, his maternal grandparents, who provided direction, love, fast cars, and his beginning college years. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and was proud to have been a veteran. Tom married his high school sweetheart, Lucy Snow in 1942, and for the next 63 years they shared a life rich in love, family, community, church and friends. After the war, Tom and his brother Bill Park had a flying service out of Clarksville, and his stories about their flying escapades when there was no instrumentation in the small planes, when thick cloud cover and running out of gas were challenges to be met, revealed an adventurous side of Tom that was unknown to most. He also went to the University of Arkansas on the GI bill, and graduated with a degree in agriculture. He began work with the USDA Farmers Home Administration in Murfreesboro, and in 1957 came to Perryville as County Supervisor. Tom always enjoyed working with the Perry County farmers and families to assist them in their farming endeavors and in building new housing. Best of all, he counted as friends many of those he served. Tom also served with the local National Guard as a SFC for several years, and always drove home on the weekend of the two week active duty at Ft. Polk to see Lucy. Tom retired from the Farmers Home Administration after 36 years, and then began a whole new life of service. He was appointed to fill a term as Perry County Tax Assessor. Then he volunteered as an ambulance driver with the Perry County EMS, eventually going to EMT training at Camden, becoming a certified EMT at age 65. His certification included rappelling down a 5 story building, a feat he had promised Lucy he would not have to do. He served for 10 years as an EMT, only retiring from that when he began having heart attacks. His service to his community was wide and deep. He was a volunteer fireman from the mid fifties in Murfreesboro and then for the Perryville volunteer fire department. He was a member of the Lions Club International for 64 years, with perfect attendance, and was a charter member of the Perryville Lions Club. In 1997 he was the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services . He served on the Perry County Fair Board for decades, working in any and all committees and jobs. He was also a member of the City Planning and Zoning Commission, and was currently serving on the Perryville City Council. The Perryville Masonic Lodge Named Tom "Man of the Year" in 2000 for Outstanding Service to the Community of Perryville. Following the Katrina disaster, Tom headed south with the group from the Methodist Church, and made new friends preparing personal kits for victims of this tragedy. Tom was active in the Methodist Church wherever he was, and for the past 52 years that was the Perryville United Methodist Church. He served on every Board, every committee, served as lay leader, and was adult Sunday school teacher for years. While he actively worked to help build the new church, no task was too lowly for him, and he was often called on to change the light bulbs in the old Perryville Methodist Church. In recent years Tom came to dearly love the fellowship of the Thursday morning coffee at the church. He loved the support of his church family and his faith was unwavering. His love of family extended to the friends of his children, and many of those friends considered Tom a special mentor and supporter. There were never enough hugs for Tom from all his friends and family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Perryville United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 on Sunday, May 10, 2009 at Perryville United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 11, 2009 at Perryville United Methodist Church with Reverend David Baker officiating. Burial will be at Perryville Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton.

Thomas G. Park

July 24, 1922 - May 8, 2009