Leona Parko's Obituary
Leona Bower Parko, 89, was ushered into the presence of the Lord Wednesday, May 9, 2012. She was born in Waukegan, Illinois, to John Vernon and Alice Ruth Worth Bower. They moved to Fort Smith, Arkansas when she was 12, and she graduated with the Fort Smith High School Class of 1940. She married Army Lt. Henry J. Parko in 1946 and traveled around the world with him until he retired and they returned to Fort Smith in 1962. Wherever they lived, she always made a happy home for her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her parents, two sisters, Betty Kingsley and Barbara Rasmussen, one brother, John V. Bower Jr. and one son-in-law, Richard Robinson.
She is survived by three daughters, Linda Robinson, Susan Knopf and husband William, and Liesa Moore and husband Daniel; one sister, Ruth Amicosante of New Jersey; 5 grandchildren: Amy Schwartz (Bernie); Rebecca McNeill (Nick); Matthew Robinson (Brooks); Nathan Robinson (Cherry); and Laura Robinson; and 4 great-grandchildren: Julie and Alex Schwartz and Madeline and Clara McNeill.
Graveside services will be 11:00 AM Monday, May 21, 2012 at Fort Smith National Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Leona?
What’s a lesson you learned from Leona?
Share a story where Leona's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Leona you’ll never forget.
How did Leona make you smile?

