Mark Wayne Parkins
May 28, 1930 - June 13, 2023
Mark Wayne Parkins, 93, of Brazil, Indiana, joined his wife of 72 years in glory on June 13, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Joplin, Missouri, surrounded by family.
Wayne, as he was commonly known, graduated from Staunton High School with the class of 1948. He married Evelyn McDonald on September 10, 1950. Wayne served his country for 37 years in the United States Naval Reserves.
As a civilian, Wayne worked for GM Allison’s in Indianapolis and Wentzville, MO, and had also worked in the coal mines in Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky before retiring. After retirement, he worked for Bob Romas in Brazil.
Wayne was a member of Grace Chapel, American Legion Post 2, Veterans of Foreign War Post 1127, Centennial Lodge 541, where he was a 50-year member, and OES Brazil Chapter # 80. He was a lifelong member of both the Jackson Township Band and the Brazil Concert Band, where he played the Sousaphone.
Wayne was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Parkins; his parents, Chauncey and Consuelo Parkins, a brother Marvin Parkins; sisters Wynemah Dickerson, Lois McGlosson, Sue Edwards, and Jean Hoffman.
Survivors include his 5 children: Darla Scherb, Jerry (Carol) Parkins, Julia Miller (Jim), Mark (Charlene) Parkins, and Ruth Ebersohl (Kevin); 28 grandchildren and spouses, 44 great-grandchildren and spouses, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of extended family members, including many special nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at French Funeral Home, 421 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834 on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Masonic services will be followed by services at 1:00 with Pastor Tim Russell officiating. Burial with military honors will be held at Summit Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Chapel, 2104 US-40, Brazil, IN 47834 or Maryland Community Church 4700 IN-46, Terre Haute, IN 47802. Envelopes will be provided.
Visit www.frenchfuneralhome.com to light a candle in his memory.
