- Date Of Birth: June 6, 1936
- Date Of Death: February 11, 2021
- State: Arizona
Danny William Parks, 84, of Scottsdale, Arizona, passed away on February 11. 2021. Dan was born June 6, 1936 to Troy and Luella Parks in Wilsey, Kansas.
In 1956, Dan left college to work with his dad in the oil fields in Wyoming. He worked for Halliburton Oil before starting a new career with Gambles, selling furniture and appliances. In 1957 Dan married his first wife, Colleen, and they had three children together. Since Dan hated the cold and snow, in 1967 they packed up their family and moved to Scottsdale for a warmer climate and Dan began working for Dir Sporting Goods.
After Dan and Colleen divorced he met Nancy Frye (who had 4 children from a previous marriage) through Pop Warner Football. They quickly caught each other’s eye and began dating. Before taking Nancy on a date, Dan would always bring popsicles or other special treats for her children. This small gesture assured Nancy that not only did Dan love her, but he loved her children as well. On July 2, 1972 Dan and Nancy married and blended two families together. Dan was intent on making sure that it was never her kids and his kids, but instead all 7 kids were their children.
Dan, being a family man, enjoyed watching his kids grow up, get married and start families of their own. He treasured time as a family and he and Nancy were always the first to host big family get-togethers. When not with family, Dan and Nancy would spend time with their close knit group of friends with whom he shared countless laughs.
In 2003, Dan and Nancy retired and spent their summers at their cabin in Munds Park where Dan took pride in his vegetable garden and learned how to make pickles, which he loved gifting to family and friends. In 2011, Dan was the Angel of the Year in the Munds Park Charlie’s Angels Golf Group. Between golfing, fishing, and spending time with family and friends, Dan and Nancy traveled the world. This was a dream of Dan’s since he was a young boy. Together, they traveled to South Africa, Normandy and everywhere in between.
As their family grew Dan and Nancy decided to start a new tradition called Destination Christmas. Instead of gifts, they would plan a secret outing for all their kids and grandkids during the Christmas season. These surprises would range from a trip to Disneyland to Medieval Times to Top Golf. This quickly became a highlight for the entire family and memories were made that all will treasure for a lifetime.
Dan relished in teasing all he met, ending each joke with a hearty laugh. His gruff exterior was a ruse, a cover for his sweetness and deep love for his family and friends. Dan taught his family to love big while never taking life too seriously. He never hesitated to tell you how much he loved you and this was especially evident in his marriage to Nancy. They truly were each other’s best friends and enjoyed the life they built together. They were an incredible example of true love, hard work, dedication, sacrifice and generosity. These qualities defined Dan and will be part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind.
Dan is survived by his wife Nancy of 48 years, son Dave Parks (Cherry), son Mark Gilbreath (Becky), son Patrick Parks (Michelle), son Greg Gilbreath (Susan), son Scot Gilbreath (Laurie), daughter Susan Schlepp (Todd), son Todd Gilbreath (Tina), his sisters, Alice and Bonnie, 19 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews. Dan had always said it was one of his greatest blessings to know and love his great grandchildren.
