The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

West “Indy” Parkhurst was born on the glorious morning of Oct. 17, 2007, in Orange. Even as a newborn, he was beautiful, and several of the hospital staff wanted to take him home as their own. Instead, his parents, Steve and Jennifer, and proud big brothers, Brac and Kai, decided it would be best if he came home with them. For the next three years and almost four months, Indy grew up like any other happy, rambunctious, rough and tumble little boy.

In Feb. 2011, he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, referred to as DIPG. He fought hard, and his stubborn and carefree spirit refused to give up or give in. Throughout his treatments, he remained happy and active, amazing his doctors. His loving, fun, smiling way made everyone he met fall in love with him. He never considered himself “sick”, and never let either his symptoms or his treatments slow him down.

On Jan. 10, Indy finally listened to God and decided to go to his real and eternal Home, and is now catching fish, riding four wheelers, shooting fireworks, collecting pets, and playing crane games with His new best friend, Jesus.

Indy is survived by his mom and dad, Steve and Jennifer Parkhurst of Orange; along with his two big brothers, Brac and Kai Parkhurst; “Nonnie” and “Pawpaw” Trudy and Charles Holden; “Mamaw” Kathy Parkhurst; “Papaw” Joe Parkhurst and his wife, Gayle Parkhurst; and Uncle Chris and Aunt Wendi Parkhurst.

Also surviving are cousins Dylan and Kade Parkhurst; Uncle Greg and Aunt Deana Parkhurst, cousins Malory, Ashlyn and Kendal Parkhurst; cousins Karli McClelland and Ian Vines, his very best friend Gage Griffith; his favorite coach, Steve Griffith (“Coach Gwiff”) and his favorite doctor, Lana Griffith (“Dr. Wana”).

Indy touched countless lives and made everyone he met smile. His infectious happy spirit will live in all of those who love him. His courage, love of life, and sweetness will hopefully be carried on in the lives of all who knew him. We love you “baby bear”, very much, and will miss you tremendously. We will one day, Indy, all be together, forever, with you. We love you Indy.

Funeral service will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, at Community Church in Orange. Officiating will be the Rev. John Fortenberry, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Deweyville. Private Entombment for family will follow at Disciples Mausoleum Claybar Addition at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens near Bridge City.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Sunday, also at the church. Serving as Pallbearers will be Steve Parkhurst, Brac Parkhurst, Kai Parkhurst, Kade Parkhurst, Chris Parkhurst and Steve Griffith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Gage Griffith, Donnie Shockley, Dylan Parkhurst and Ryan Carline.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to “The Cure Starts Now” in memory of Indy, 10280 Chester Rd., Cincinnati, Ohio, 45215, or http://www.thecurestartsnow.org.

Arrangements held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.