William "Bill" Paul Parks III

Funeral service for William “Bill” Parks III will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, October 23, 2017 at Family Life Church with Pastor Ernie Bishop officiating. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, October 22, 2017 at Walker Funeral Home. William Paul Parks III “Bill, 76, of Weston, WY passed away on October 17, 2017 following a valiant fight with cancer. Bill was born on September 8, 1941 in Gillette, WY to William Parks Jr. and Catherine Parks. He and his sisters; Helen (Greer) and Jan (Evans) were raised on the family ranch founded by his grandfather, William Parks in 1906. At the age of 8, Bill and his family moved to their own ranch on Little Powder River where he lived until graduating from high school in 1959. He was popular in school and was voted Class President and Most Athletic, excelling in football and wrestling. Throughout his life he maintained a close relationship with his childhood and school friends. Bill married Paulette Norfolk in 1960. To this union were born two sons, William Parks IV and Peter Parks. During their marriage he worked on his family’s ranches eventually going on to operate his own ranch. He was President of Trail Creek Grazing Association from its inception in 1966. He and Paulette divorced and he later married Brenda Gortney who had an 11 year old son, Derek Gortney. Bill’s true joy in life was watching his children and grandchildren play sports and spending time with them. He also enjoyed spending time with nieces and nephews, family and friends. Throughout his life he enjoyed participating and watching rodeo. He won the NRCA steer wrestling championship and later in life steer roping became his passion. Other of Bill’s interests included; hunting, fishing, golf, but above all else working his cows, riding his horses and being on his land. Bill Parks was one of the last of a ranching generation to be blessed to experience the earlier years of ranching. He was a true traditional ranching cowboy. Bill is survived by his wife; Brenda, sons; Will, Pete and Derek, sister; Jan Evans, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Helen. Memorials and condolences may be sent in Bill’s name in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.walkerfuneralgillette.com