As a local family deals with the shock of losing their son to the war in Iraq, their community joined them Wednesday in mourning.

Army Pfc. Larry Parks Jr., 24, of Newburg, Pa., was killed when his tank was hit with an IED, or improvised explosive device.

Parks was an eight-year veteran of the Newburg Fire Company. Robert Dennis Sr. of the fire company said Parks was "very instrumental in having things done around here. He helped us design this building. He was a leader. He always jumped in, and you didn't have to check his work."

Friends described Parks as a man who knew how to have fun. "We always called him the Tasmanian Devil because he liked to race motorcycles and fast cars. ... (He) always kept people hopping," Dennis said.

Patricia Eames, a Newburg storeowner, also described Parks as friendly and funny. She said Parks was "always joking around. ... Everyone liked him."

Parks' father said the family was notified of his son's death around 10:15 p.m. Monday. Larry Park Sr. said almost immediately people from the community started coming over and showing their support.

"To lose a piece of you over there, and you wonder, 'Why? What's going to turn out over this? ' He fought for us, gave it his best, and I hope everyone sends a prayer for him," Larry Parks Sr. said.

Stay with Channel 6 News for continuing coverage.