Marty Jay Parkins

Marty Parkins was born April 27, 1953 to Melvin and Wanda (Greenwood) Parkins in Winterset, IA. He attended Adel-DeSoto High School, and was a proud graduate in 1971. As a Tiger, Marty participated and lettered in football, baseball and wrestling.

On November 30, 1974, Marty married the love of his life, April Heldenbrand. From their love, they welcomed two beautiful daughters to this world, Toni and Stacey. Marty realized his talent for working on cars early in life and turned it into a career. He was a key player in the startup of the Allison transmission business in Des Moines; working for Hicklin, Interstate Power Systems, and Inland Truck Part & Service until he retired in 2015.

Marty especially loved his Camaro and adored taking it out for a drive. When he wasn’t taking the Camaro out, Marty enjoyed traveling around the country and seeing the sites. He would often be found in the kitchen cooking or out in the yard smoking meats. Camping, fishing, and bowling with everyone’s favorite grandma were his idea of fun. Regardless of what he was doing, Marty loved being with his family. He treasured doing everything with his children and was their biggest supporter. He truly cherished his grandson Cameron, who held a very special place in his heart from the very beginning.

Marty’s legacy of love and compassion will continue on in the hearts of his wife, April; daughters, Toni Parkins and Stacey (Kyle) Gaidies; favorite grandson, “C.J.” Cameron Gaidies, as well as numerous nieces, a nephew, friends, classmates and extended family.

Marty is preceded in death by his parents, brother Michael, paternal and maternal grandparents and mother-in-law Lucille Heldenbrand.

The family invites all who knew and loved Marty to a celebration of life on Monday December 5th at Country Lane Lodge east of Adel. A service will be held beginning at 3p.m. followed by a graveside service at Oakdale Cemetery in Adel. Following the graveside the family invites all to a continue the celebration of his life  from 5p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the Country lane Lodge. In memory of Marty, please direct memorial contributions to the Good Samaritan food pantry in Adel or the Dallas County Sheriff’s Benevolent Association. the family asks all those in attendance to dress casual in honor of Marty