John Parks

Johnny (John) Wayne Parks, 84, of Chelsea, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Sunday, November 16, 2025. He was born on February 26, 1941, at the family home in Chelsea to Raleigh Parks Sr. and Dorcas Jenetta (Goates) Parks.

John was raised on a dairy farm, where he learned early the value of hard work-principles that shaped his entire life. He attended Busyhead and Chelsea schools, graduating with the Chelsea High School Class of 1959.

While attending Chelsea Free Holiness Church, John met the love of his life, Merrilynn Johnston. The two began dating and were married on June 14, 1963. They first made their home in Broken Arrow, where John worked at carpet laying with his brother Floyd. A year later John and his growing family returned to Chelsea. He worked at several car dealerships. It was during these years that he mastered the craft of auto body repair, a skill that would define his career. He later opened John's Body Shop at Chelsea. He operated the shop for more than 40 years, working side by side with his son Johnny Jr. and later also with his grandson, Thomas. His dedication to honest, meticulous workmanship earned him a reputation that will long be remembered. John retired in 2010.

John was deeply devoted in his faith and the churches he attended throughout his life. Whether helping with church building projects, or helping many in the ministry, he served with a willing heart and a humble spirit.

In the rare moments he considered "spare time", John loved creating his own machinery, He spent countless hours designing and building custom equipment to make a job easier or more efficient. His creativity, innovation, and determination were admired by all who knew him.

John will be remembered for his integrity, his commitment to doing every job "the way he'd want it done for himself," and his unwavering dedication to his family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raleigh and Dorcas Jenetta Parks; great-grandson, Trace Blair, and brothers Robert, Floyd, Raleigh, and Ronnie Parks.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Merrilynn Sue Parks, of the home; son Johnny Wayne Parks Jr. and wife Malinda of Chelsea; grandchildren Thomas Parks and wife Janie, Cassie Parks, Vanessa Blair and husband Trent, Ben Parks and wife Gabrielle, and Caleb Parks and wife Shene; and great-grandchildren Jeremy, Jayclin, Brooks, Macy, Vincent, Ava, Rylee, Elliana, Noah, and Johnny Walker is on the way. John is also survived by his brothers Eugene Parks, Dan Parks, Leon Parks and wife Betty; and his sister Mary Littleton and husband Lloyd, along with many extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.