Gerhard Ernest Parke

Gerhard Ernest Parke, 75, of Dallas, Texas, passed away on July 30th, 2025. He was born on February 25th, 1950, in Schweinfurt, Germany. As a young boy, he moved to Montana with his family before proudly joining the U.S. Marine Corps in 1967. After his honorable discharge, he made his way to Texas in 1972, where he spent the rest of his life.

Gerhard was a master plumber by trade, working for Milton B. Levy, and later served in Seagoville and Wills Point ISDs. He had a passion for coaching girls' softball and dedicated many years to the sport. An outdoorsman at heart, he loved fishing, hunting, and camping, and never turned down a good dirt race.

In his later years, Gerhard found joy in the simple things; shooting guns, playing Candy Crush, and Christmas shopping for his family. He was a man of faith who loved sharing scripture, and he spent many days in deep conversation with his best friend, Ken. His loyal dog Caleb was always by his side. Gerhard also cherished the time he lived with his Aunt Eleanore and cousin Ida, especially the German meals they shared together. He was proud of his military service, traveling the world, and never tired of telling stories from his days as a Marine.

Gerhard was known for being a grumpy, hard-headed jokester; he loved to pick on people and give them nicknames, his unique way of showing love. His presence, humor, and fierce loyalty will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

He is loved and remembered by his son, Charles Beatty and wife Nancy; daughters Tara Parke and Tricia Lewis. He was the cherished grandfather of Brice and wife Taylor, Brendan and girlfriend Alyssa, Danielle, Nickolas, Tasha, Billy and wife Kristen, Whitney and husband Caleb, Hailey, Angel, and David. He was also the proud great-grandfather of Bentley, Hadley, Kayson, Raven, Mikayla, Blakely, Kaylee, Xzavier, Jagger, Braylee, Mason, and Julian.

Gerhard is survived by his beloved aunts Eleanore Durham and Hilde Simons, and cousins Ida, John and wife Kara, Karen and husband Rick, Jackie and husband Tim, and Renee and husband Paul. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rose and Robert Six.

Pallbearers for the service will be Caleb Starks, Billy Pearce, Dale Medders, and JD Abernathy.

Gerhard’s viewing and funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, at Anderson Clayton Funeral Home in Terrell, Texas. The viewing will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Campground Cemetery.