Parkinson

Joshua Tyler Parkinson, 3, of Butler died Saturday afternoon in a tragic drowning accident in Punxsutawney.

Joshua, son of Jeffery Parkinson and Cindy O'Shell, was born in Butler Aug. 20, 2007.

Joshua is survived by his father, Jeff of Butler; his mother, Cindy O'Shell and Micheal O'Neil of Irvona, Clearfield County; and his grandmother, Luanne Brinks of Houston, Texas. His siblings include two sisters, Kari Kappler of Butler and Dakota; and five brothers, Jeffery Jr., and his wife, Tiffany, of Butler, Jacob, Jonathan, Christopher and Stephen. Also a niece, Sophie Parkinson; and a nephew, Gabriel Kappler, survive.

He was preceded in death by paternal grandmother and matriarch, Dolores Parkinson and her husband, Leroy Parkinson; and his maternal grandfather, Ben O'Shell.

Joshua was considered by all who knew him to be one of the kindest, happiest and sweetest little boys in the world. His greatest legacy was his wonderful and cheerful heart.

At the age of only three, it was clear that God had given him a special gift: he naturally was emphatic, loving and encouraging to others. His father Jeff tells stories of how the young boy knowingly made it a point to make his dad and siblings smile when they were sad. He had a self-authored song he would sing to bring joy, “Daddy don't be sad, you are my sunshine, my only sunshine.” Joshua was a bright light in a dark world.

He was loved immeasurably and will be dearly missed by many.

<B>PARKINSON</B> — Friends and family of Joshua Tyler Parkinson, who died Saturday, May 21, 2011, are invited for visiting hours Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B>, 201 E. Cunningham St., Butler. A funeral service will be Thursday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Richard P. Jenks, pastor of the Faith Fellowship Alliance Church, will officiate.Donations, for the benefit of the family, may be made through the Faith Fellowship Alliance Church, 200 Faith Way-Fared Drive, Butler PA, 16001; 724 287-2700.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.