William "Bruce" Park

William Bruce Park 78, of Martinsville left his beloved earthly family to begin a new adventure alongside the Lord on Wednesday, October 4. He died after a brief illness as his doting wife comforted him in the home he had built for her and their children. Bruce was born January 9, 1945, in Martinsville to Leon and Millie Park. He spent the entirety of his life in the rural Martinsville area. Bruce held many manufacturing jobs, most recently maintenance supervisor at Harman Motive, from which he retired. He also volunteered with several youth programs including Scouts, the Marching Artesians, and church groups in retirement, he assisted with impaired youth campers at Bradford Woods. Bruce was well known as a jack of all trades, but his family and friends considered him a loving husband, an artist, a woodworker, a storyteller, an avid outdoorsman, an amateur cake decorator, a handyman, crafter, collector, Superdad, a kind neighbor, a helpful congregant, toastmaster, a dependable volunteer, a comedian, Mr. Fix-it, and especially a knowledgeable confidant. Almost everyone who knew him called him “Friend”. He was always willing to help anyone who needed an extra hand, and his humor and animated personality lit up any gathering. He lived a happy, enthusiastic, full life making those around him feel loved, comfortable and accepted, no matter what their background or past included. After serving in the United States Army following graduation from high school, Bruce met the love of his life, Lorena Hooser, from the Brooklyn area, and married her on April 20, 1968. She survives. Other survivors include his sister, Katherine L. Park of Bradenton, Florida, four children Clinton (Tammy) Park of Stittville, NY, Rebecca (Eric) Mullikin of Martinsville, Andrea (Kristopher) Mariano of Martinsville, and Bradley (Elizabeth) Park of Manassas, VA. He had nine grandchildren who also survive: Wyatt and Madison Park, Amber Brewer and Rison Mullikin, Kassandra, Michael, and Ian Mariano, and Loren and Caitlyn Park, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who will deeply miss him. He was a member of Abounding Grace worship center and before that Bethel Friends Church and will be deeply missed by his fellow current and former congregants. Light Memorial and Funeral Chapel in Monrovia have been entrusted with cremation and funeral arrangements. Per his wishes, Bruce will be cremated, and a casual Celebration of Life and Memory Sharing Reception will be held on Saturday, October 14 ,2023, beginning at 10am to 12pm at the Abounding Grace Worship Center Reception Hall, 1795 Centerton Rd, Martinsville, IN 46151, with Military Honors starting promptly at noon. To share a favorite story, send the family an online condolence, or light a candle in Bruce's memory, please visit www.lightmemorial.com. Proceeding him in death were his father Leon Park and mother Millie Elizabeth Park of Martinsville, sister Nancy Rose of Sarasota, Florida, and Sister Virginia Robertson of Bradenton, Florida as well as many beloved in-laws, aunts, uncles, neighbors, cousins, friends, and other relatives. To Bruce, just about everybody was considered family. In lieu of flowers, Bruce would like that everyone hug the spouse they sometimes annoy, spend quality time with their children (putting away the devices and distractions), wear a hat that they love (even if it looks silly to everybody else), do something creative every once in a while, and always keep in mind a good corny joke for those moments with people you love best. Donations can be made in his honor to Martinsville's Battle Buddies program through the American Legion of Morgan County.

Tributes

William "Bruce" Park

January 9, 1945 - October 4, 2023