Gerald "Whitey" Parkins

Gerald “Whitey” Parkins, 76, of Republic, went to Heaven with a smile on his face at 2:40 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, surrounded by love at his residence. He was born December 11, 1947, to Lloyd and Margaret M. (Keefe) Parkins in Tiffin.

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

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, 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, Brian (Laura) Parkins and many nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and a 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 the Fremont Pigeon Club.  He raised English Trumpeters and traveled the United States with his friends going to pigeon shows. He loved all farm animals, 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, February 8, 2024, at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883 (419) 447-3113.

Funeral Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at the funeral home. Pastor David Marhoover will officiate.  Burial will follow in Fairwell-Retreat Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.

To send Online condolences to the family, order out-of-town flowers, or to view the Celebration of Life video go to: www.traunerofuneralhome.com.