Kenneth A. Parke, 85, of Oakland City, IN entered eternal rest on Sunday November 26, 2006 at 8:55 A.M. at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on February 13, 1921 in Pike Co, IN to Elza and Themus (Wade) Parke.

He was a retired coal miner of 40 years from Peabody Coal Lynnville Mine and also farmed for over 50 years. He was a member of U.M.W.A. Local # 9926, member of Oakland City American Legion Post # 256 and the Oakland City F.& A.M. Lodge # 467 and attended Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father, Elza in 1962; mother, Themus Parke in 1987; sister and brother-in-law, Maxine Nelson in 1986 and Ronald Nelson in 2005; brother, Charles Floyd Parke in 1998; sister and brother-in-law, Juanita Smith in 2003 and Frank Smith in 1976; brother, Warren Parke in 2003; and granddaughter, Michelle Lynn in 1979.

Surviving are: his wife of 50 years, former Joyce (Coleman) Parke; sons, Gary (Diana) Parke of Somerville, IN, Monty (Kenya) Parke of Oakland City, IN, David Parke of Oakland City, IN; grandchildren, Eric Parke, Cathy Reising, Jaycee, Laramy, Darian Parke; brothers, P.G. Parke and Bill (Judy) Parke of Oakland City, E. Wayne (Karen) Parke of Evansville, IN; sisters, Norma (Ellis) Williams of Lyons, IN, Pauline (Horace) Tyler of West Lafayette, IN, Lucy (Lim) Nixon of Mackey, IN, Sharon (Don) Falls and Patty (Don) Pflug all Oakland City, IN.

Services will be at 10:30 A.M. Friday December 1, 2006 at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church, with Dr. Douglas Low, officiating. Burial in Montgomery Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday November 30, 2006, 4:00-8:00 P.M at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel and from 8:30 A.M. until services on Friday at the church.

American Legion Post #256 will conduct military graveside services and Oakland City F.&A.M Lodge #467 will conduct Memorial services on Thursday at 7:00 P.M..