Todd Parke

Todd Andrew Parke, age 59, passed away on Saturday September 15th, 2018 in Waxahachie Texas. He was tragically struck and killed by a motorist while walking his beloved dog, Rosco, near his home.

Todd was born on May 26th 1959 to Norman and Judy Parke in Toledo Ohio. He graduated Start High School in 1977, Hocking College and the University of Pittsburgh. Todd married his high school sweetheart and lifelong companion, Julie. Together they had two daughters, Jenifer and Megan. Family was very important to him. Todd recently became the proud grandfather to a baby girl, Sophia, in November 2017.
Todd was employed in the Industrial Gas Industry. He started working for Valley National Gases in West Virginia during the early 1980's and ended his career at TechAir of Texas. He and his wife Julie had moved to Texas from Valparaiso Indiana last year. Warm and sociable, Todd made many friends along the way. He was passionate about living and kept busy with his many interests. He enjoyed antiques and collectibles and he and his wife Julie were longtime collectors of Hall China. They frequented annual conventions together, where he enjoyed seeing friends from around the country. He also enjoyed gardening, landscaping, and making improvements to the homes he lived in throughout his life.

Todd enjoyed sports and he remained active to the end. Since childhood, Todd remained a dedicated fan of the Green bay Packers and played in a fantasy football league for over a decade. He also loved to play golf and had many golf buddies over the years. He was part of a league while living in Venetia, Pennsylvania, and he continued to make new friends to play golf with in Waxahachie. He was very proud to run alongside his youngest daughter in her races, and was training for an upcoming run in November.

Todd was a proud American who embraced the founding principles on which this country was formed, and enjoyed touring historical sites wherever he went. He was tremendously knowledgeable about the roots of Western Civilization and American history and read prolifically, often reading two or more books at once. This knowledge strengthened his respect for those who sacrificed to preserve American laws and identity.

Todd will be dearly missed by the many people who knew him. He touched the lives of many with his bright smile and easy-going nature. He was a friend to many people, and he loved animals as well, having always had companion cats and dogs in his life. Todd will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Julie Parke, daughters Jenifer Rune (Christopher Rune) and Megan Parke (Kyle Carson), granddaughter Sophia Anastasia Rune, and half-brother Shawn Parke (Teresa Parke) several cousins and many friends who were like family. He was preceded in death by his parents Norman and Judith Parke.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10am on Saturday, September 22nd, 2018 at the Wayne Boze Funeral Home. Pastor Jared Raebel will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Ellis County SPCA 2570 FM 878 Waxahachie, TX 75165.

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