Gerald Parkins Obituary

Gerald "Whitey" Parkins

Gerald "Whitey" Parkins, 76, of Republic, went to Heaven with a smile on his face at 2:40 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, surrounded by love at his residence.

He was born Dec. 11, 1947, in Tiffin, to Lloyd and Margaret M. (Keefe) Parkins.

He was married to Terry on Jan. 24, 1987, and they recently celebrated 37 years of marriage.

His survivors include four daughters, Roxanne (Denny) Gribben, Kelly (Marc) Watcke, Jess May, and Bekki (Sean) Peck; nine grandchildren, Grant Gribben, Hannah Watcke, Garrett Watcke (deceased), Courtney May, Gavyn, Addy, (Evan) and Elliott Elchert, and Brayden and Grayson Peck; three great-grandchildren, Remmington and Bentlee Doss and Weston King; siblings, Ronald (Doris, deceased) Parkins, Marcia (Joe) Wagner, Betty (Dave) Sanchez, Karen (Ed) Kuhn, Ann (Rick, deceased) Carr, Jane (Mark) Morgan, Tim Parkins, Tony (Lindsay) Parkins, Chris (Kara) Parkins, Judy (Ted) DeMars, and Brian (Laura) Parkins; and many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Cindy Shultz.

Whitey was a 1966 Calvert High School graduate who was remembered by his teachers and classmates for his antics, not his grades. He was a member of Fremont Pigeon Club. He raised English Trumpeters and traveled the United States with his friends going to pigeon shows. He loved all farm animals and working with his hands, from remodeling a house to making cuts of Christmas decorations. His talent was unlimited. He found a new lease on life when he became a grandfather. They brought out the best in him. He really enjoyed his time spent with Sean. They were fishing and working buddies, wheelhorse experts, and most of all, best friends.

The family would like to express great gratitude to Dr. John and Maureen Vela and the staff for all the years of extraordinary care.

Whitey's wishes were "Men wear your baseball caps, because I will be wearing mine."

Visitation for family and friends will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024, at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, (419) 447-3113.

Whitey's funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, at the funeral home. Pastor David Marhoover will officiate. Burial will follow at Fairwell-Retreat Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

To send online condolences to the family, order out-of-town flowers, or view the celebration of life video, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.