Obituary of Thomas L. Parkhurst

Thomas L. Parkhurst, 62, of 3233 Morley Rd. Ashville, NY passed away unexpectedly at 5:31 p.m. Saturday (July 24, 2010) in the emergency room of W.C.A. Hospital. A lifelong area resident he was born November 25, 1947 in Jamestown, NY, a son of the late Lyle R. Parkhurst and Helen Mae Carlson Smith. He was a graduate of Jamestown High School and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Fredonia. In earlier years he was employed by the former Marine Midland Bank as a head teller and later worked in the auditing department of the bank. He had also been a volunteer for Chautauqua Opportunities as a financial counselor for over 20 years. He will be remembered as a loving and caring man who loved hunting, fishing and tending to his garden. He loved to spend time outdoors around his home, cutting wood and taking care of his property. He was also the type of man who cared for the less fortunate around him. Surviving are his mother of Lakewood, NY, two daughters, Jennifer (Jason) Hall of Clayton, NC, Kim (Kevin) Overton of Cassadaga, NY, three grandson's, Zachary Hall of Clayton, NC Cody Bean, Nolan Ryan both of Cassadaga, two brothers Gregory Parkhurst of Williamsville, NY, Allen Jackson Smith, Jr. of Medfield, MA, a step-sister Julie Smith of San Francisco, CA, and his beloved companion of 13 years Beth Dentler with whom he made his home. Besides his father who died February 9, 2005, he was preceded in death by his step-father Allen Jackson Smith who died January 24, 2010. A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Visitation will not be observed. Because Tom cared for the less fortunate, memorials may be made to the St. Susan's Center, 31 Water St. Jamestown, NY 14701.