Charles Lee Parks

Charles was born December 7, 1937, to Melvin and Goldie (Ranz) Parks at their rural home near Westphalia. He was the oldest of two children. He attended primary school at Sugar Valley School and high school in Garnett, graduating in 1955.

Charles grew up on an active field and dairy farm. He knew hard work, daily matters to be addressed and resolved, helping neighbors and following through.

On September 29, 1957, he married Laura Holmes. They made their home on a farm near Centerville. This union was blessed with two children, Teresa and Richard.

Charles was a farmer at heart but found that he also had skills in carpentry, electrical and plumbing – which he received licensing to work for others. He found that he enjoyed working for others and established Parks Construction. Many valued his guidance and appreciated his work.

Work was only a part of his life. He was also very involved with the First Baptist Church, Garnett and the Gideons. Through the years he served on various church boards and participated in many outreach projects of the church. Driving the church van and taking communion to homebound were a part of the long history of living out his faith. While his wife was the church organist/pianist, he sang in the choir and had a beautiful tenor voice. As a Gideon, he attended many meetings and was active in bible distribution and telling the story of what the Gideon’s were about.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Laura Parks, parents, Melvin and Goldie Parks, brother, Gilbert Parks, and granddaughter, Tabitha Peterson.

Survivors include his daughter, Teresa Peterson, Garden City, MI; son, Richard L. Parks, Garnett, plus 3 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Friday, January 31, 6-8P at the Garnett Sr. Center, 128 W 5th Ave, Garnett. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, February 1 at the Centerville Community Church with Rev. Nancy Killingsworth presiding. Visitation at 12:00; Service at 1:00. Burial will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions are encouraged to Centerville Community Church, The Gideon or the service organization of your choice.