Thomas Wayne Park Jr., age 70, passed away from cancer on Feb. 22, 2013. Tom was reared in Fort Worth and graduated from the University of North Texas with a degree in history and government. He then taught history and government for 15 years at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth and, while taking a post-graduate course at TCU, met the love of his life, Diane Bolen, whom he afterward married. In 1978, he and Diane purchased the historical Sullivan-Bell-Woody House on Oak Street. Thus began the couple’s love affair with Weatherford, its history and its people.
After making a career change from teaching, Tom owned and operated the Montgomery Ward’s store in Weatherford for three years. For the next almost-quarter century, he was director of the Weatherford College Bookstore. In addition, Tom served his community well through his dedicated involvement with many community and civic activities. He was a longtime member of the Parker County Heritage Society, where he and Diane were instrumental in founding the Candlelight Tour of Homes. He was a member of the board that founded the Parker County Peach Festival, too.
Tom served on the first board of advisors for Chandor Gardens and also served many years as an officer of the Weatherford Parks and Recreation Board. He was president of that board when the City of Weatherford added Chandor Gardens. In addition, he wrote, planned and photographed the original historic driving tour of Weatherford. This brochure was published by the Chamber of Commerce.
Because of his love for Weatherford, Tom served in various leadership capacities for these local entities as well: the Spring Festival Tour of Homes Board, the Parker County Historical Commission, the Parker County Sesquicentennial Committee for the State of Texas Sesquicentennial Celebration, the Community Education Advisory Board and the Child Protective Services Board. Most recently, he served on the Weatherford Public Library Board and the Doss Heritage and Culture Center Board.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Diane, and parents, Linna and Wayne Park.
He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sandra and Roger Conroy, of Hurst, TX; brother and sister-in-law, John and Julia Park, of Weatherford, TX; niece, Dona Lyn Farris; nephews, Robert Steen and Roger Conroy Jr., all of Fort Worth, Jeremy and wife, Meredith, of Southaven, Miss. and Jeffrey Park, of California; grandnieces, Clarissa, Amber and Jazmyn; grandnephews, Bryten, Cooper and Cayson; friend, Curtis Johnson; and many other friends and extended family members; in particular, Barbara Taylor.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013, at 2 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Texan Pythian Home or Weatherford College Foundation.
Galbreaith-Pickard Funeral Chapel
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