Herman Russell Parks

Mr. Herman Russell Parks, age 85, of Mio, passed away Monday, December 13th, 2010 at Munson Medical Center, Traverse City.Herman was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 25, 1925, the son of the late Herman and Anna (Dalton) Parks.  He had served in the Merchant Marines then joined the Navy during World War II. Russ was a longtime resident of the Mio area, moving here from Warren.  He was very active in community projects. He was a member of the Mio VFW and Mio American Legion. Russ was lifetime member of 40 years of The Masonic Order, being raised to Master Mason on Feb. 25, 1970. He had been actively involved in the following Masonic Orders: Mio Lodge 596, Order of The Eastern Stars 528, West Branch Shrine Club, Oscoda Shrine Club and Scottish Rite. Every year he looked forward to participating in the haunted house at Mio Flea Market, raising funds for the Shriners Hospitals for Children and Oscoda County Red Cross Disaster Team. He led many community parades, proudly driving his rebuilt 1941 Farmall Tractor.Surviving are his companion Phyllis Hoy, best friends: Glenn Guilds and Gary Bartolomucci and his brother Masons and Shriners and his Fellow Veterans. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 brother Robert Parks.Visitation Monday December 20, 2010 3:00 PM until the time of The Masonic Service at 7:00 PM offered by the Mio Lodge #596 F. & A.M. at Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, Cremation to follow, with interment of ashes and Military Honors at Mentor Township Cemetery, Mio in the spring of 2011.Donations to Shriners Hospital for Children 2900 Rocky Point Dr. Tampa, FL 33607. Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.