Joseph "Joe" Parks

Joseph “Joe” Parks, 55, of Ontario, OR passed away on April 21, 2024.  A celebration of life will be held in Fruitland, Idaho, at the Creekside Ranch on Saturday, May 4th, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided following the service. A private family interment will take place at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

Joe was born April 26, 1968, in French Camp, California to parents Robert and Janyce Parks. He was raised and educated in California. He graduated from San Juan High School in June of 1986.  

A few months after graduation, on September 17, 1986, Joe joined the United States Marines Corps. He loved being a Marine and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant in 1994. Once he was out of the military, he decided to continue his passion and do the next best thing there was; become a Correctional Officer at the Snake River Correctional Institution.  He went on to follow this career path for the next 27 years and made sure to remind his family often that he was “one bad day away from retirement”.  His co-workers always enjoyed his quick and witty humor to liven up their days.

Joe met his beautiful wife, Katie Davis, through his good buddy, Brett, while on a blind date. He quickly realized she was the love of his life and they were married on March 27, 2010.  Aside from sharing their favorite hobbies including going to Sumpter, OR., mushroom hunting, huckleberry picking and looking for the next treasure at thrift stores and yard sales; they also shared a deep love for their fur baby, Colt. That love ran as deep as naming each stuffed animal of his, holding his paw in the car, and believing him when he said he wasn’t on the couch while they were at work.

Joe adored his family, especially his beautiful children Dayne and Jordan.  He always bragged about his “good genes” that helped create them, followed up with a smirk and his signature laugh that will be remembered by all who knew it. His favorite color was grey-blue, the same as his eyes.  

He never missed a game or event for the children and was so proud of them.  Once they graduated and became independent, his great joy was being Papa Joe to his granddaughter “Critter”.  He rarely missed a weekly visit and almost always came bearing gifts for Critter that he had personally picked out.

Joe cherished the outdoors including bass and steelhead fishing (when he wasn’t getting skunked), and shed hunting. He especially enjoyed designing crankbaits and soft plastic baits through his business that he was so tickled to name “STD (Something To Do) Custom Baits.

He liked spending time creating new meals on his Blackstone BBQ and using his smoker, then sending pictures to his family each time to brag.

In his early adulthood, Joe had a passion for watching NASCAR, which was replaced in time with old western movie reruns.  That passion was accompanied by his fascination to read historical non-fiction books. 

Joe will be remembered as a true friend with a kind heart.  He treated his wife Katie, like a queen.  He constantly reminded his kids that they were the light of his life, and he was always there for his friends.  Joe lived his life as that of a Marine, “Semper Fi”, always faithful.

Joe is survived by his wife Katie Davis-Parks of Ontario, OR; children Jordan and Dayne Parks, bonus daughters Jessica (Tommy) Gibbons, Elizabeth and Emily Roland; parents Robert and Janyce Parks; brother Rob Parks; sister Lori (James) Lamb; grandchild Raylee; numerous nieces and nephews; special in laws Gary and Lois Davis; his loyal chocolate lab, Colt.

For those who would like to make a donation in memory of Joe, the family suggests “Hunt of a lifetime” through Tami’s Pine Valley Funeral Home and Cremation Services, PO Box 543, Halfway, OR 97834. Online condolences can be shared at www.tamispinevalleyfuneralhome.com