Verriel L. Parkes

Verriel L. Parkes, 82, formerly of New Holland, PA and most recently residing at Ephrata Manor in Ephrata, PA, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 26, 2012 following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born in Chester, PA, Verriel was the son of the late Verriel E. Parkes and Elsie Nuttall Parkes. A 1947 graduate of Eddystone High School, he was the husband of Doris M. (Mellon) Parkes, with whom he celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in June 2011. Surviving in addition to his wife, Doris, are two children: Lynne M. Parkes, companion of Harry Hiller, and Lowell D. Parkes, married to Lucy; one grandchild, Katherine E. Parkes; a sister, Marian P. Laufer, married to John W. Laufer, Jr.; one niece, Louise Laufer Hummel; and, one nephew, John W. Laufer III. Verriel was a retiree of Sun Oil Company where he worked for 38 years, most recently as a Chief Storehouseman in their Marcus Hook refinery. He was a life-long member of the Church of the Nazarene, where he served faithfully for many years as both an Usher and Sunday School teacher for Jr. and Sr. High boys, many of whom are serving the Lord today because of his ministry and influence upon their lives. After moving to Lancaster County, Verriel worked part-time at Yoder’s Market in New Holland, PA, and he joined The Gideon’s International to continue serving the Lord. He also remained active for many years pursuing his life-long love of hunting, both small and big game, which is the sport he introduced his immediate and extended family, to over the years, as well as many close friends. Verriel was a member of the NRA, and he belonged to several gun clubs during his life. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service being held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. in the Donecker Chapel at Ephrata Manor, 99 Bethany Road, Ephrata, PA, 17522 and conducted by Rev. Dawn Snell, Pastor of the Rose Tree Park Church of the Nazarene. A viewing will be held prior to the service, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family in the Lawn Croft Cemetery, Linwood, PA. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to The Gideon’s International, P.O. Box 241, New Holland, PA or the United Church of Christ Homes Benevolent Fund, 30 N. 31st Street, Camp Hill, PA 17011. Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA. To share your memories of Verriel on-line, please visit: www.groffeckenroth.com