Estil Glen Parks

Estil Glen Parks, 88, of Waynesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.

You may have known him as Estil, Papaw, Big E, Flo, or one of the many other nicknames he acquired over the years of raising children, grandchildren, and countless Warren County 4-Hers. Whatever you called him, if you knew him, you were lucky to have him in your life.

He was the son of Thurston and Gladys Parks of Dayton, who preceded him in death and helped ignite his lifelong love of fast cars and Darryl Waltrip. That love of cars also introduced him to the love of his life, Carole Elizabeth, who lived down the street from the filling station where he worked and proudly talked about having the hottest car around. What started there became a love story that lasted both their lifetimes and a marriage spanning 65 years.

Together, Estil and Carole raised three children: Charles B. (Kym), Robert G. (Marla), and Pamela E. (Wayne Kibler).

Estil and Carole dedicated many years to serving Warren County 4-H, raising livestock projects for countless members as well as their own children and grandchildren. Estil was always found ringside, usually offering advice on how things could be done better, though in later years he was just as happy to sit back and enjoy the show, whether in person or, right up until his final days, watching from his tablet.

His love of unique cars created stories the family will tell forever, but none more memorable than the purple-and-black lowered dually that turned heads every time he rolled into stock show. It hardly felt like a weekend unless he was watching NASCAR, baling hay, working in the garden, or finding yet another way to make his family shake their heads at his mechanical skills or the latest deal he had made.

Estil was the quiet voice of the family. He did not need to be the loudest person in the room to leave an impression. His steady presence, laugh, and advice will be deeply missed by so many, especially his grandchildren: Thomas (Mackenzie Harris), Terry Joel (Cassandra Lueking), Cassandra, Samantha, Katlynn, Addison, and Kourtney Parks; Lindsay and Chelsea Shell; and Cheyenne Crowe and Austin Kibler. He is also survived by two great-granddaughters, Avery Parks and Isabella Crowe.

The family has planned a Celebration of Life for Estil and Carole on Sunday, May 31, from Noon to 2:00 p.m. at the Caesarcreek Township Picnic Shelter, 2034 E. Spring Valley Paintersville Rd., Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Please join us for one last 4-H-style picnic to share memories of Estil and Carole. Food will be provided, but good conversation is requested.

Brown Funeral Home, Wilmington, is assisting the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Estil Glen Parks, please visit our floral store.