William "Bill" Parks

Pastor William “Bill” Parks, age 62, of Ligonier, went home to forever be with the Lord following a courageous battle with cancer. Bill was born in Kendallville, IN, on August 1,1953, in Kendallville, IN, to Don and Helen (Eley) Parks. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Esther Smith, on August 19, 1972; she survives. Also surviving are their beloved sons, Ryan (Kelly) Parks of Avilla, IN, Jared (Lindsey) Parks of Terre Haute, IN, and Neal (Melissa) Parks of Ligonier, IN; nine grandchildren; his mother, Helen Parks of Avilla; four brothers, Steve (Cheryl) Parks of Avilla, IN, Bruce (Karen) Parks of Rome City, IN, Paul (Becky) Parks, and Jim (Karen) Parks also of Avilla, IN. 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, 1288 W Union St, Ligonier, IN 46767, at 11 am on Saturday, January 23, 2016. Bill’s three sons will lead the service. A private family burial will take place at Avilla Cemetery in Avilla, IN. Family and friends will be received at Trinity Assembly of God on Friday, January 22, 2016, from 4-8 PM. If you would like to make a memorial contribution, you have a choice. 1. The Nicaragua Missions Fund (checks made payable to King's Chapel, the church in Springfield, Mo, through which the project runs) 2. Trinity Assembly of God, Ligonier.