Claude Larry Parks, Sr.

January 25, 1937 - April 14, 2026

Claude Larry Parks, Sr. (''Larry,'' ''Parksy,'' ''Pa''), 89, of Brazoria, Texas, passed away peacefully, joining his beloved daughter, Debra Lanae, in heaven. Larry was born on January 25, 1937, in Jewett, Texas, to Claude S. Parks of Jewett and Wessie Lee Keeling Parks of Leona.
Larry spent his earliest years in the countryside of Leona before moving with his parents to the Freeport community at the age of five. They made their home in a small duplex at Camp Chemical during Dow's early startup days - memories that shaped his appreciation for hard work and humble beginnings.

A proud graduate of Freeport High School, Larry went on to earn his business degree from Sam Houston State University. It was there he met the love of his life, Carolyn, exchanging warm smiles as they passed on the stairway of the Business Administration Building. The two married in August 1956 and built a life filled with love, laughter, and deep devotion. They would have celebrated 70 years together in August 2026.
Larry and Carolyn made their home in the Brazosport area while raising their family. Larry poured his heart into his family, community, and work. He founded and ran his own insurance agency for over 45 years, earning his CLU designation and a reputation for integrity and excellence. His guiding motto, ''Do it right the first time,'' reflected his meticulous nature and unwavering standards.

Deeply community-minded, Larry served as President of the Rotary Club, where he helped raise funds to purchase crash carts for local ambulances and the hospital. He was also active in the local Softball Association, where he supported his daughter Tory's softball career.
Larry's passions reached far beyond his career. He was an avid outdoorsman, a fisherman at heart who found peace and joy on the water. Over the years, he shared that love through a fishing column in The Facts and in two books, Dancing with the Waves, where he revealed some of his favorite secret ''honey holes.'' He was also an enthusiastic hunter, golfer, and gardener, cultivating everything from vegetables and fruit trees to a pecan orchard and flower gardens. He loved to develop land, nurture life, and pass along his knowledge to anyone willing to learn - family, friends, or even strangers.

Larry's warmth, humor, and charm made him unforgettable. Whether on the dance floor jitterbugging with Carolyn, mentoring a young person, or trading stories with friends, he radiated joy and generosity. Even in his later years, when he could no longer enjoy the outdoors, his spirit remained bright, his friendships strong, and his heart full.

Larry and his family were deeply grateful for the compassionate care he received, and he truly appreciated the dedication, kindness, and support shown by the doctors and nurses who cared for him.

Those who knew Larry will remember a man of deep integrity, endless curiosity, and a love for life that touched everyone around him. His laugh, wisdom, and steady presence will be missed, but never forgotten.

Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Lanae; his mother, Wessie; his father, Claude; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Nora Holder.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; his son, Chuck Parks (Debbie Parks); his daughter, Tory Enriquez (Eddie Enriquez); his five grandchildren, Tyler Parks (Emily), Tanner Parks (Hannah), Addison Enriquez, Brody Enriquez, and Caden Enriquez; three step-grandchildren, Cassie Enriquez, Chase Clopton, and Kris (Heidi) Clopton; two great-grandchildren, Reid and Ellis Parks; five great step-grandchildren, Taycie, Kyelie, Paige, Ellie, and Kayden Clopton; and numerous nieces and nephews - who proudly carry forward his legacy of faith, adventure, and a zest for life well-lived and so loved.

Pallbearers include Bob Watts, Scott Jamison, Jeff McQueen, Steve Wilson, Marcus Schrader, Tyler Parks, Tanner Parks, Eddie Enriquez, Brody Enriquez, Caden Enriquez, Eduardo Enriquez, Dean Hendrix, and Shirald Hendrix.

A visitation will be held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church, 300 Willow Drive, Lake Jackson, on Tuesday, April 21, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, at Chapelwood United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Restwood Memorial Park, 1038 West Plantation Drive, Clute.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children's Hospital at shrinerschildrens.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.