RICHARD PARKS

Richard Lee Parks was born to George Calvin and Priscilla (Cole) Parks on July 15, 1937. What joy he brought to the Parks’ home and especially to his older brother, George Parks Jr., referred to as “Junior,” who preceded him in death. Although George was the first born, he had envisioned what having a playmate would be like and all the joy this might bring him. These Parks brothers developed a closeness and genuine love for each other that bonded them for life. Richard was the adventurous one who was constantly aspiring to learn as much as he could in school. He was educated in the Kansas City, Kas., Public schools: Douglas Elementary school, Northeast Jr. High school and graduated from Sumner High school in the Class of 1956.

After High school, he chose to join the U.S. Air Force and he continued to re-enlist at the end of each enlistment and he made this his career. On July 14, 1963, he married Carmen Turner, in Kansas City, Kas., to this union they were blessed to have three children: Kevin Richard, Brian Michael and Melanie Denise.

Parks continued his academic work while on active duty and his determination to succeed paid off. While serving his country, he resumed his interest in furthering his education as shown below: accomplished: B.G.S. M. A. Ph.D.; (Psychology, Sociology & History) (History) (Counseling Psychology) University of NE, 1971 University of NE, 1973 Southwestern university, 1982

During his military career, he was blessed to do extensive travel and reside in 49 foreign countries. He possessed working knowledge of Japanese, French and German languages. He retired from the Military then worked in the corporate world and later had a career with the Federal Government, which allowed him to continue to work around the world.

After retiring from the government he volunteered in his community in the zoo as an animal handler and was regailed as a Master Story Teller, a title that he loved.

He was an Adjunct Professor/Instructor, at the University of Maryland and Los Angeles Community college. He also taught at the Dept. of Defense schools: West Springfield High school and Agawam High school. At these locations, he taught Sociology, Psychology, History and Black Studies and Research.

Organizational Memberships: Kappa Alpha Psi, PHA Mason, Scottish Rite Masons

and Shriners.

He lost his mother early in his life and his father remarried and his stepmother, Ola V. Parks was a faithful and active member of the Eighth Street Baptist church. She led him to Christ and he was baptized there by the late Rev. I. H. Henderson.

He leaves to mourn his departure four grandchildren: JeanPierre, Wayne Joseph, Richard Lucas and Xinia Carmen; a sister: Brenda Hardy; a step sister: Bernice Lewis; several nieces and nephews; and a host of Veterans and friends around the globe.