Thomas 'Parkie' Sevier, 82

Thomas "Parkie" Sevier, 82, passed away Friday, Jan. 12, 2007, surrounded by family and friends at Kalispell Medical Regional Center.

He was born Jan. 30, 1924, to Herbert and Grace Muir Sevier of Windham.

The sixth of eight children, Parkie's family moved to the Flathead in 1932, and he was a member of Flathead County High School's Class of 1943.

As a senior in high school, Parkie enlisted with the U.S. Navy and joined the greatest generation's fight in World War II. He was a Storekeeper Second Class with Company 54-43, Regiment 3, Battalion 10 and was stationed at Farragut, Idaho, and Oahu. He served on the USS Pennsylvania, which was torpedoed while in the Pacific Theater. Parkie was wounded during the battle and recovered at a hospital in Hawaii. He was honorably discharged in April of 1946 and earned medals including the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation, the Asiatic Area Campaign Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal and the Good Conduct Medal.

After leaving the Navy, Parkie worked at the Firestone Tire Co. and the Buick garage before starting a 40-year career at Kelly Main Street Furniture.

He was a modern-day Renaissance man. He became famous for his ability to refinish old furniture and work wood, to play the accordion and to bring a smile to anyone's face. He also received his private pilot's license. He used his flying lessons as another way to court Patricia Buck, who would see him tip his wings as he flew over her house in Kalispell.

Parkie and Patricia were married at St. Matthew's Catholic Church on April 4, 1948. They were married for 59 years and raised five children together.

In 1973, Parkie joined the Kalispell Lions Club and spent 34 years helping needy children receive glasses. He received the Melvin Jones Award, which is the highest award given to a Lions member.

Parkie was an avid outdoorsman and spent more than 30 years making tracks through the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Later in life, his travels continued with the Friendship Force of Flathead County. He and his wife traveled with the group to various locations around the world.

Above all his many accomplishments, Parkie was a devoted family man, whose strong and gentle character shaped generations of family members. He loved much, and was well-loved in return. He will be greatly missed.

Parkie is survived by his wife, Patricia, and their five children: daughter, Kari Ann Sandor, Kalispell; Tom Jr. and wife Sharon, Kalispell; David and wife Tami, Spokane, Wash.; Colonel Douglas and wife Melissa, Stuttgart, Germany; Daniel and wife Michelle, El Cajon, Calif.; 16 grandchildren: Matt Sevier, Ogden, Utah; Jennifer Roettig and husband, Brock, Vancouver, Wash.; Michael Richeson and wife, Richelle, Bigfork; Eric Richeson, Kalispell; Megan Richeson, Billings; Logan Sevier, Nampa, Idaho; Jordan and Kayla Sevier, Spokane; Justin Sevier, Virginia; Melissa Sevier, Las Vegas; Amber, Stuttgart; Parker, Sophia, Leland, Cecelia and Cole Sevier, El Cajon, Calif; seven great-grandchildren: Isabeau, Connor, Cain, Saxton and Dorian, Vancouver; Kadin and Brodie, Kalispell; a sister-in-law, Judy Balas, of Kalispell; and a brother-in-law, Steve Buck, and his wife, Rosie, of Georgia.

Viewing will be held at Johnson's Mortuary from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16. The funeral service also will be at Johnson's at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17. A reception will be afterward from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hampton Inn. Urn burial will be later this summer.

The family suggests memorials be sent to the Kalispell Lions Eyesight Program for Children, P.O. Box 321, Kalispell, MT 59901.