Findley Park

K. Findley Park, 85, of McKinney, passed away on January 10, 2021, living independently and loving his family.

Findley was born on December 6, 1935 in Ririe, Idaho to Ellen Elvina Dutson and Leonard Grove Park. He is survived by his daughter, Sabrina Decker Shipley (James); his grandchildren, Steven Holbrook, Zakarie Wayman, Astraea Wayman, Noah Shipley and Raiden Shipley. He is also survived by his two great-grandchildren, Ethan Holbrook and Jaxton Holbrook.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 22 years, Francesca Decker Park, as well as his daughter, Tracy Ellen Park, both his brothers, Merlin and Ray and sisters, Marva and Lila.

He was raised on a farm where he may have taken out the side of the chicken coop as he learned to drive at the age 6 while helping around the family farm. Shortly after his mother passed from cancer, he would tell us he had become the family cook because his father and older siblings would be working the farm.
At the age of 12, he decided to emancipate himself, so he continued to attend school, worked a paper route, and set pins at the bowling alley to support himself as he lived in a hotel above the bowling alley. He then found work on a dairy farm and he would ride his bike to work. His employer, Mr. Wesley, took him into town and bought him a car so he didn't have to ride his bike each and every day. He was also given a calf for each year he worked as a bonus, so he could one day start his own dairy farm, but that was not his dream.

The moment Findley turned 18 his dream became a reality when he joined the United States Army. After 4 years he transferred to the United States Air Force and honorably served his country for 20 years as Ground Radio Communication Technician and Radio Repairman. He would never tell us about Area 51, which was the ongoing family joke since he had attained Top Secret Clearance and worked in communications. During his service, he would also help out in concerts at the NCO club where he had the opportunity to meet various artists, such as Johnny Cash. After his military retirement he took his technology experience into his civilian employment at Mostek and Dallas Semiconductor. Unfortunately, due to a heart valve replacement, he was forced into retirement.
The circumstances did not stop him from continuing to live life with his wife for 22 years. He was involved with the VFW and American Legion. He especially enjoyed listening to music, dancing, and spending time with family. He always loved watching the grandchildren and then his great-grandchildren running around, playing and laughing.

Although he did not attend church regularly he walked in the steps of a true Christian. He will be missed by family, friends, and all who knew him. Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.

I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.~ Maya Angelou

Due to COVID, we will not be having a visitation. A motorcade escort and funeral is scheduled to leave promptly at 12:45 on Monday, January 25, 2021 from Charles Smith and Sons Funeral Home, 601 S. Tennessee Street, McKinney, TX 75069. A service will be held at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, Marlik Bailey will officiate.

Online condolences may be at www.cwsfuneralhome.com

If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Findley Park's name to American Cancer Society, donate3.cancer.org.