Glen Allen Parks - Submitted for the USGenWeb by Richard P. Sevier 10/22/06 USGenWeb NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. ************************************************ Glen Allen Parks - Madison Parish, Louisiana From Shreveport Times, October 14, 2006 HAUGHTON, LA - Friends and family are invited to share in a celebration of Glen's life on Sunday, October 22, 2006 from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 2015 Old Minden Road, Bossier City, LA. (318)742-9700. The family asks that if you have a memory or anecdote that makes you remember Glen, that you write it down and bring it to the celebration for all to see and enjoy; they will be compiled and distributed to those who want them later. If you have a picture of Glen you want to share, bring it. Dress will be comfortable, as Glen preferred. Glen was born on Blue Front Plantation near Tallulah, LA on 8/17/1938. His family farmed there. Glen earned his first bicycle by chopping cotton. The family moved to the Darnell, LA area and owned and operated a service station during the 1940's and 50's. Glen attended Pioneer High School and went on to North Eastern in Monroe, LA for a time. Glen served his country in the U.S. Army where he earned sharpshooter awards. He served on Federal and State Grand Juries. He was a past president of the Louisiana Manufactured Housing Assoc. Glen was a self-starter with the strength, vision and drive to suceed at almost anything he attempted. He started and operated a wrecking yard in California, where he also drove figure 8 cars. Glen had a tree service business and held the annual Fern Lodge Bluegrass Festivals for several years. He owned and operated Challenge Sales & Service, an HVAC company for 20+ years. Glen traveled extensively, raised and trained thoroughbred horses, and bought, developed and managed real estate properties. He "flipped" houses and properties for many years. Glen fished, hunted, and rode motorcycles. He raised wonderful gardens, and built and stocked ponds at his farm. Glen could build anything. He could build dreams. Glen truly liked most people he met. He had a generous heart and a real concern about fairness. He never asked anyone who worked with him to do anything that he would not do himself, and tried to keep his word with honor, as he expected others to do. Glen tried to help anyone who was trying to help themselves. Glen was physically and mentally an exceptionally strong person. He fought back heart disease and did not flinch. His unbeatable foe was a brain tumor. He died at home with his family and friends around him on October 6, 2006. Glen was preceded in death by his parents; John Cooksey Parks and Mary Virginia Welch Parks; sisters; Ruth Irene Parks Walker, Helen Viola Parks Falcon; brothers; Raymond E. Parks, Carl Wayne Parks, John Orval Parks and Glen's son, Joey Celmer. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Bonnie Stockwell Parks; son Jim Celmer; grandchildren; Cameron and Jessica Celmer; mother in law, Barbara Stockwell, and nephews, nieces, family and wonderful friends that he loved and who loved him. We want to thank Drs. Charles Powers, Anil Chhabra, and Basel Kasabali and their staffs for the excellent care Glen was provided over the years.