Thomas Edward Parman

Thomas Edward Parman was born on April 13, 1947, in Oakland, California. He passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 26, 2023. He lived in California for a short time before moving to Missouri around 1952 with his parents and younger brother, J.C. These brothers later welcomed Dan (Tank) and Cathy to their home.

The family moved around during his younger years, but Tom spent his high school years running around Grant City before graduating with the Worth County class of 1965. He chose to extend his educational career by going onto University of Kansas. He was a Jay Hawk fan then and continued throughout his life. That education career lasted all of one semester before he went out into the world to work.

Tom started working for Berkel & Company in 1968 and continued with this company for the next 46 years, until his retirement in 2014. He was an excellent crane operator, when not running the jobs. In the 1970’s, Berkel & Company was performing many projects in South Florida, which eventually led to opening the first Regional Office outside of the Kansas City Office. Tom was the lead, Number 1, Job Superintendent on these projects, and agreed to relocate his family to Florida as the Region grew. He became a big part of the Company’s growth in the Southeast. Tom was involved in hundreds of Berkel & Company projects during his career across the United States as well as supervising projects on an international level outside of the country. Tom mentored many people during his time with Berkel & Co. He was a very easy-going man and liked by anyone who ever met him.

Tom met his wife at Toy National bank in Sioux City, Iowa. She was a bank teller, and he was working on the construction of the new bank. Four months later, the two of them were married. They lived in the Kansas City area before moving to Florida. They had Melissa and Jeffrey completing their family. Tom and Sheryl celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on October 20th, 2023.

Tom loved watching football, but especially college football. He spent many hours watching and cheering. He was a big fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, even though they were not colleges, he cheered avidly and loved the fact of winning Super Bowls.

Tom will be remembered for his dedicated work and his avid love for fishing. He was happy to go fishing anyplace in the world, but especially enjoyed it in Everglade City. His love for this was so much so that he and Sheryl purchased a home in Everglade City when he retired. It was perfect for him, and it was known as Paradise. He wanted to share his love for fishing with everyone he knew. His stories often started with “Dude, you should of saw the size of that Snook.”

Tom was preceded in death by his parents George and Sadie Parman, brother Dan (Tank) Parman.

Tom is survived by his wife, Sheryl Parman, Daughter, Melissa (Andy) Crase, Son, Jeffrey (Barbara) Parman, Granddaughter, Sami Crase, Grandsons, Zack Parman, Hunter Parman, Sister, Cathy (Roger) McGahuey, Brother, J.C. Parman, Sister-In-Law, Pam Parman and nieces, nephews, and countless friends he has made throughout life. He was so loved!

A burial will be held at the Miller Cemetery on April 13, 2024, at 1 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Allendale Community Center to share stories and love about Tom.