Jack Parr

Jack Floyd Parr was born to parents, F.O. and Ethel Parr, on May 10, 1928 in the Cherokee Masonic Hospital. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, on May 14, 2022 at the Kiowa District Manor in Kiowa, Kansas.

Jack grew up in Amorita, Oklahoma and graduated from high school in 1946. During his school years he was involved in many activities and loved playing sports, specifically basketball. After school, he worked with his dad and brother on the farm and at Parr Implement located in Amorita at the old round top which is still there. He spent his time selling, purchasing, delivering, and working on farm machinery. He continued this type of work at the F.O Parr Dodge-Chrysler-Plymouth-J.I. Case Farm Implement dealership his dad owned through the 1950’s. When the dealership closed in 1959, Jack took his knowledge and passion for machinery and opened an auto repair business, Jack’s Automotive. He later farmed alongside his brother, Howard, under Parr Bros. Farms, which still operates today in Amorita, raising cattle and growing wheat and alfalfa.

Jack grew up with and eventually married the love of his life, Carol Lee Sherman, on May 19, 1950. Together they loved to travel, were very involved in their community and church, and grew a strong foundation of family. They had three children, Steven, David and Cheryl, all raised in Cherokee. He was a man of strong faith and his relationship with the Lord was even stronger. They attended and raised their family at First Baptist Church where he was  a Sunday School Teacher and Deacon for over 40 years. He was very active in his children's lives and supported all of their sports and activities. His involvement in Cherokee continued through his many years on the Booster Club and time spent on the Cherokee school board.

His love for people and his community is evident through the friendships he has carried over many decades. He never met a stranger and could small talk with the best of them. He was always engaged and took interest in what you had to share. He spoke his mind and was unapologetically himself, you never had to guess where he stood. He was philanthropic and always willing to help others when he saw a need.  His constant devotion and fellowship was appreciated and awarded him the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.

Most importantly, his love for people runs deepest for his family. He was beloved and respected as the patriarch of his family. He instilled the importance of great work ethic and honesty through his three children and five grandsons by example. He was a great businessman and could always be found at the farm or reading the newspaper at the kitchen counter in his overalls. His hard work, character and faith are what define him; but he will be remembered most for the way he loved his family, especially his wife of nearly 72 years. There weren’t many places you would find Jack without Carol. She was his right hand for just about everything whether it was bookkeeping at the shop, joining him to run parts, bringing meals during harvest, she was always there, full of love and support. Their example of love and marriage will be celebrated and remembered for many years to come.

He is preceded in death by his parents, F.O. and Ethel Parr; sisters, Vera Berry and Grace Barnes; brother, Howard Parr, and son, Steven Parr.

He is survived by his loving wife, Carol; his son, David and wife, Nancy of Cherokee; daughter, Cheryl and husband, George of Cherokee.  To continue his legacy through generations are grandsons, Adam Parr and wife, Victoria of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ryan Parr of Fort Collins, Colorado, Phil Parr and wife, Rose of Keller, Texas, Jeff Parr and wife, Mirella of Mount Pleasant, Texas and Collin and wife, Calli of Tulsa, Oklahoma and six great-grandchildren.

Funeral service for Jack will be Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Cherokee.  Burial will be in Byron-Amorita Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee.  Viewing will be Friday 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. with family present 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be made to Cherokee First Baptist Church through the funeral home.