June H. Parks

June H. Parks was born in Sugar Grove, VA on 6/26/31 to George Washington Parks and Mary Magdalene Haga Testerman Parks. He died on 10/21/16 at Stella Maris in Baltimore County, MD from multiple medical conditions. Mr. Parks grew up in Virginia and Maryland. Born during the Depression years, he learned the hardships of unrelenting seasonal work as the youngest child of a farmer. However, his childhood equally left him with memories of family closeness, helping neighbors, and hunting and fishing with his brothers. In his teens, June and his parents moved to Abingdon, MD and he attended Bel Air High School where he enjoyed sports more than anything else.

When his parents left Abingdon to return to Sugar Grove, he began a pattern of alternating residences; finally choosing to stay in Harford County to be near four of his brothers. He was working construction jobs with his brothers when he enlisted in the Army during the Korean War. He trained in Texas and Missouri as a cook and was sent to the Panama Zone. Being an Army cook was a highlight in his life and he took great pride in being able to make the best possible meals with a few ingredients. Leaving the Army, he signed a pledge to stand in reserve for six more years and serve if he were called. That need didn't arise, so he rejoined his brothers. Becoming an expert mason, he helped create many eye-pleasing walkways, walls, fireplaces and homes in Harford County. His detail work remained in demand with many builders for decades. As he grew older, he scaled back on physical labor and returned to be a cook at The Country Inn on Route 40 in Abingdon. He lived a quiet life after his Army service. He never married; spending time with his brothers and their families and as an active member with the local VFW and DAV. As his brothers passed on and his health worsened, he spent more time enjoying country music, gardening, canning vegetables, and following the Orioles, Ravens and NASCAR. He was a considerate neighbor who would help anyone to the full extent of his ability. He maintained interest in politics as well as sports and, if asked, could share some well-reasoned insight with his listener.

The last few years of his life were physically difficult. Yet, he continued to surprise his caretakers with his humor and patience and philosophical views. Not much of a church goer, he knew the bible. More important, he knew and respected God. He faced death trusting in his Lord. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Annie, and his six brothers: James Testerman, Marvin, Claude, Burl, Hugh and Odis Parks. He is survived by two sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and old friends.