Clifford "Dutch" Ladon Parks

WEATHERFORD -- Retired Chief Master Sgt. Clifford “Dutch” Ladon Parks, 82, of Weatherford, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 7, 2015 at a local care center after a strong battle against cancer for five years. Viewing at Whites Funeral Home, 130 Houston Avenue in Weatherford, on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from 6-8 PM. Full military-honor service and burial at the Garden Chapel of Memory Gardens of the Valley Memorial Park in Weatherford, on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at 10 AM with visitation following at his home. Dutch was born in Elvins, Missouri, on February 9, 1933, to Joseph Bennett Parks and Myrtle Frieda Cole. He attended Elvins High School and after graduating, began his honorable service to our country and joined the United States Air Force in 1951. He was active-duty for 27 years, serving in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He married his wife, Sandra Lea Helgesen on March 26, 1960, in Tampa, Florida and was happily married for 54 years. Dutch retired from the Air Force in 1978, and moved to Weatherford. After retiring, he was employed at Kennedy's Sausage and was a life-time member at the American Legion, post 163, where he served as an officer for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Parks of Weatherford; son, Brian Parks and wife, Darcy, of Leonard; daughter, Lisa Harley and husband, Greg, of Manor; sister, Mary “BoBo” Ransom and husband, John of Sullivan, MO; sister, Ina Bess of Rolla, MO; four grandchildren, Lisa Gay Baker of Dallas, Christopher Parks of Lewisville, Courtney Colvin and husband, Sean, of Plano, and Brittany Harley of Manor; three great-grandchildren, Everett, Alicia and Kyla; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends. White's Funeral Home Weatherford, 817-596-4811