John Parks, 80, of Topeka , died April 29, 2008 at Midland Hospice House.

He was born in Hannibal , Missouri on May 15, 1927 the son of Edgar A. and Ethel (Primm) Parks.

John served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He attended Missouri University , and pursued a 40-year career in Operations Research concluding with the State of Kansas in the Department of Revenue.

While in Topeka , he became a serious rose grower, He quickly established himself as an expert in the field, as a Consulting Rosarian, Cyber-Rosarian, and Rose Judge. He received many awards and trophies over the years for the roses he so passionately grew and loved. His greatest award, and greatest joy, was sharing the beauty, mystery, and wonder of roses with others. He is the author of a book on roses designed specifically to introduce newcomers to the " how-to" of rose growing, and it is currently available at the Topeka Public Library in the special books section.

John was a member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Topeka Rose Society.

He married Ruth Ann Kriegshauser of Edina , Missouri on May 22, 1948 in Hannibal , Missouri . After a number of moves around the country, and living in several large cities, he and Ruth made Topeka their home in 1979, and have enjoyed the small city ever since.

John is survived by his wife Ruth of the home, and two sons, Jeff Parks of Beatrice, Nebraska and David Parks of Glendale, California; a brother-in-law, John Kriegshauser of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico ; numerous nieces, nephews including Margaret and her husband Gary Gibson of Edina , Missouri .

John was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister-in-law, Martha Swann.

He will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Thursday after 2:00 p.m. where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. and a Parish Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Cemetery in Edina , Missouri .

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 West Sixth Ave. , Topeka , Kansas 66603 .

Memorials:

Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church

Visitation:

Thursday after 2:00 p.m. at the Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m and a Parish Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m.

Service:

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church.

Cemetery:

Graveside Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery in Edina , Missouri .

Doss Funeral Home in Edina, Missouri were in charge of local arrangements.