Joel Ardrey Parks

Joel Ardrey Parks, 79, of Strasburg, CO, was ushered Home into the presence of our Savior November 14, 2021. Born November 24, 1941 in Nampa, ID and excitedly adopted by Ardrey and Hazel Parks at 6 wks! In 1988 Joel married Diana Jean, the love of his life & living in Strasburg, CO the past 21 years.

Raised on a cattle ranch much of his life, he was his father's right hand man from an early age, driving to school at 13. Graduating from Nampa HS in 1958, he was awarded two College scholarships but chose to enlist in the Air Force for 6 years maintaining air craft. With this military training, the foundation for his career and vast # of occupations throughout life was set in motion as he traveled the nation in most every one of those positions. He worked on the Alaskan Pipeline, at the Nevada Test Site, was an accomplished Field Instructor Mechanic for Atlas Copco Roctec's underground mining and construction equipment. That took him to underground mines from Canada to Mexico. Joel was consistently salesman of the year at PSC Industrial Services (Power Plant Boiler & Environmental cleaning) & then he became PSC's Operations & Senior Account Manager of the Eastern Service District. His retirement at 74 lasted a whole 6mos (home every day was foreign to him. He missed that man-comradery.) Was he ever thrilled when offered the job at Big Johnson Construction (Steel Building Erectors) as Safety Administrator/HR Generalist!! NOW let's top all this off with being a deck builder, home remodeler, landscaper, Porsche mechanic, Harley mechanic who loved to golf, swim & camp!

Above all else was Joels authentic bold out-loud-love for his SAVIOR and his large blended FAMILY…… never short changing either!! His heart was radically changed & enhanced when he encountered Jesus Christ in his 30s. From that point on he lived a life of humble servitude, abounding in love from every pore! As a Gideon he generously shared his testimonial encounter with Jesus & shared countless bibles! He was a church Youth Leader, Worship Leader & Pianist. Yes my mechanic is an accomplished piano player too, can carry a tune, is a speed demon snow skier, has great dance moves, is a fervent gun enthusiast & sharp shooter as well as pool shark & more.

Joel is survived by his wife, Diana J Parks of Strasburg, CO and his children: Kathy & husband Mark Easley; Jennifer Courtney & husband Mike; Jerry Parks; David Parks and wife Angela; Lourdes DeJesus and husband Victor; Nancy VanRamshorst and husband Scott; Troy Stout; Camie Mann and husband Shawn; LeiShel Patrick and husband Dan; 17 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE
MOUNTAIN VIEW CHURCH-------SATURDAY DECEMBER 11, 2021-------1:30 PM
1955 Headlight Road, Strasburg, CO 80136
Fellowship following service

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Gideons International, GIDEONS.ORG/DONATE, or to your individual choice of non-profit organization.

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