Patrick C. Parks, Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) USAF, age 85, a 60 year resident of Sergeant Bluff Iowa passed away Tuesday, May 12 , 2020 of COVID-19. A celebration of his life will be held later this summer. Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff is assisting the family with arrangements.

Pat was born September 19 , 1934 in Sioux City Iowa. In April 1958 , Pat married  Patricia Barber of Bronson Iowa and they had 62 years of marriage together. After joining the Iowa Air National Guard at age 17, Pat graduated from Wayne State teachers college. He taught at Central high school and Sergeant Bluff Luton school district for several years before becoming activated in 1968 for the Vietnam war conflict. He was an Air Force fighter pilot and stationed in Phu Cat, Vietnam with the 174/185th tactical fighter squadron of the Iowa Air National Guard. Upon returning from war in 1969 he continued a full-time career with the Iowa Air National Guard here in Sioux City. He served almost 35 years doing what he loved, flying jets. He was a member of the Super Sabre Society, American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. Pat loved playing golf and spending time with his family. Many Sgt Bluff graduates took drivers education from Pat as he did this as a part-time job in addition to his military career.

Pat and Patty had four children, Pamela (Daniel) McBride, Colorado Springs, CO; Peggy (Dave) Parks Wessling, Whiting, IA; Phillip (Pam) Parks of Akron Iowa.He is also survived by two brothers Jerry(Joann)Parks, Moville, IA ; Joe(Sharon)Parks, Bronson, IA and a sister Kay(Vince) Murphy of Sioux City; 11 grandchildren(Travis, Nicole, Brooke, Elizabeth, Josh, David, Nicholas, Amanda, Abby, Sean, Olivia ); and 18 great grandchildren who will miss “Pop” dearly.

He is preceded in death by his parents Paul and Catherine Parks, his son Paul D. Parks, son-in-law Dave Wessling and his infant granddaughter Madeline Parks.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Siouxland for their support during his last days. In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorials be directed to Saint Josephs Catholic Church, Salix Iowa where Pat where he was a Life long member, the Siouxland Humane Society or donations to the food bank of Siouxland.