Donald E. Parks

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Obituary

Donald E. Parks

87, of Prairie Grove died November 15, 2006 at the Fayetteville City Hospital.

Donald was born October 26, 1919, in Prairie Grove to James Clay “Jim” and Myrtle McCormick Parks. Donald graduated from Prairie Grove High School and attended the University of Arkansas, before serving four years in the United States Air Force during World War II.

Donald was a lifelong member, deacon, elder, Sunday School teacher and secretary of First Presbyterian Church, founded by his grandfather, Dr. Ephraim Graham McCormick. Donald was selected as a delegate to attend Presbyterian General Assembly, Montreat, North Carolina.

Donald and his brother Barry managed the Beverly Theater in Prairie Grove, founded by their brother James. Following the death of their father in 1958, Donald and Barry shared the management of Prairie Grove Telephone Company, founded by Dr. E. G. McCormick before the turn of the century. In 1977 the Prairie Grove Telephone Company become the first multi-exchange telephone company in Arkansas to switch to all private lines for its customers.

In 1946 Donald became a charter member of the Prairie Grove Lions Club and the American Legion. Donald served on the Prairie Grove City Council for nineteen years, Prairie Grove School Board for five years, and Washington County School Board for 28 years, serving as secretary. Donald was appointed by Governor Orval Faubus to serve as Chairman of the Washington County Election Commission and appointed by Governor Bill Clinton to the state board of Vocational and Technical Schools.

The Prairie Grove Chamber of Commerce chose Donald and Barry as Citizens of the Year in 1991 and in 2003 the Chamber honored them for Community Excellence. Ozark Guidance Center singled out the Parks Family and the Prairie Grove Telephone Company for their Annual Community Service Award in 2000 and Donald and Peggy Parks were made lifetime members. Donald was chairman of the Prairie Grove Rural Health Center board that, in partnership with First Care Family Doctors built a clinic with two doctors now in residence.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his three brothers, James Fay, Barry Houston and Joe Carroll Parks.

He is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Peggy Murphy Parks, son David McCormick Parks and wife Pam.

Services will be at Friday, November 17, 2006 - 10:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church - 146 North Neal Street - Prairie Grove, with Reverends John King and Audie Long officiating.

Pallbearers will be the men of Prairie Grove Telephone Company, past and present. Honorary pallbearers will be Paul Jones, Howard Helm, Jack Harlan, Dr. Calvin Bain, Jim Rieff, and Greg Reed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Fayetteville City Hospital - 221 South School - Fayetteville, AR 72701 or First Presbyterian Church - P.O. Box 1127 - Prairie Grove, AR 72753.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Luginbuel Funeral Home. To sign to online guest book, visit www.luginbuel.com

Funeral Service

Friday, November 17, 2006
10:00 am

United Methodist Church - Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Visitation will not be held at the Funeral Home.

Visitation

Visitation information unavailable.

Final Resting Place

Prairie Grove Cemetery

North, Row 12, Space 56

General

Date of Birth: Oct 26, 1919

Date of Death: Nov 15, 2006

Age: 87

Documents

Memorial Folder

Tributes

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Peggy and David, To this day, I continue to treasure the short time I worked at the phone company for Don. He was so good to me. He treated me with kindness, generosity and respect... as a friend. I have always had the greatest respect and admiration for him and both of you. I have always treasured your friendship. Please know that we are praying for you and hurting with you. We love you and will miss Don. Sincerely, The Boyd Family

Dennis, Linda, Kelsey And Kirsten Boyd - Aquaintance

I have never known anyone like Donald Parks. Donald was a quiet, unassuming man with a gentle spirit, the epitomy of character and integrity. I especially enjoyed hearing him tell stories of his experiences with people in the small town in which he lived all his life. They were real life stories but Donald had the gift of telling them with a deep sense of humor which had you in stitches even when he was not trying to be funny. I consider it a real priviliege to have known Donald and to have known him as a friend.

David George - We Married Sisters

Ms Peggy and David, I am so sorry to hear about Donald. I will always remember the first time that I met him. He as always express such a kind and gentle sprit which is one of the best ways to let your torch burn in the community. I will be remembering both of you in my prayers this week.

Larry Clary - Friend

The Parks family has always been very dear to my family and I. Growing up, I remember Donald as having such a great sense of humor and I loved being around him and Barry. They both were such pillars of our community and are dearly missed. I feel very fortunate to have been able to know Donald and I know he is now in a much better place where he can get caught up with Barry!

Natalie (west) Bartholomew - Family Friend

When my uncle entered a room you couldn't help but take notice. Tall, handsome, and athletic. He carried himself with grace and a quiet dignity. In my younger days I can remember him towering over me with an outstreched hand, a firm but gentile handshake, and an enormous grin that could put even the shyest boy at ease. To me, my uncle Donald was bigger than life. Stephen George

Stephen, Mary, Chris, & Collin George - Nephew

I am so sorry for your loss.

Karen Weddle Graybill

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. He was a very good man. I know that you will miss him very much. If there is anything that I can do for your family, please let me know. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Ernie L Penn Jr - Friend

Joe, Barry and Donald Parks were among the first people I met when I went to work in Prairie Grove. They were wonderful people who I respected a great deal and it's sad to see them all gone now. But like his brothers before him, Donald leaves a rich legacy that will never be forgotten. He was a very fine man. My thoughts and prayers are with Peggy, David, and the entire family.

Larry Jones - Aquaintance

I'll always remember Mr. Parks for taking the time to visit with my family, especially the children, when we took our walks. We always enjoyed watching Mr. Parks mow his lawn with his riding mower going as fast as possible in the middle of the winter.

Scott & Emily Cole - Former Neighbor

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss.

Roger, Carolyn, And Lilly Giles - Friend

Peggy - We are taught that in life and in death we belong to God. I know that Don has found eternal comfort and rest in that special room the Lord has prepared for him from birth. I love you.

Frank Johnson - Friend

Linda and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you... .......Sincerely, Linda & Win Phillips

Linda And Win Phillips - Friends

Peggy & David, Donald was a wonderful man and extraordinary community leader. We were blessed to have known him, and you - our friends and his beautiful family. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you, and do not hesitate to let us know whenever we may be of assistance. With love and God's blessings, James, Patti & Madeleine Kimbrough

James, Patti & Madeleine Kimbrough - Family Friends

Dear Peggy and David-you have my deepest sympathy over your loss of Donald. I know that it is never easy but I also know that you can rejoice in the love that he brought to you and so many others in the wonderful contributions he made to his community,his state and to his business associates. GOD bless. John Paul

John Paul Hammerschmidt - Acquaintance

Peggy and David. I was so sorry to read about your loss today. I really appreciate your long time friendship and support. My entire family sends their sympathy and best wishes. Unfortunately, none of us will be able to attend the services. The entire family is leaving early tomorrow for a family vacation in Orlando, We will definitely be with you in spirit. May God bless you all. Bill, Beth, Brenda & families.

J. W. "bill" Ramsey, Beth & Girls - Long Time Friend

I must have last seen Donald Parks when I was sixteen years old--a long time ago--but I recognized his picture at once. My parents, Arline and Ewing Jackson, were good friends of the Parkses and I remember them well. My parents are gone, now, but would have wanted to be remembered to the family.

Marylyn Jackson Parins - Acquaintance

Our prayers have been with you and we will continue to ask Our Heavenly Father to keep you "under His Wings.. Love in Jesus, Mary Beth And the Followers...

Mary Beth Gaylor And Followers - Friend

I know there is not a lot anyone can say or do to make this time better. But keep in mind that you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Donald was a great man and he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Marcresa Remington Hattenhauer

Peggy and David: We are sorry we cannot be with you tomorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers as we remember Donald. May you find comfort in your memories and in God's care.

Kenneth And Janice Sutton - Friend

We love Peggy and have been praying for her for all the difficulties she's had to go through. She is one of the most selfless people I've ever met. Peggy, know you are in our thoughts, and things WILL get better with time. Mickey Jackson

Mickey Jackson - Aquaintance

Ernest And Polly Cashion - First Presbyterian Church, Prairie Grove

Donald Parks and the entire Parks family are among the finest Folks in N W Arkansas. I have known Mr. Parks for ~40 years. \ Lyell Thompson

Lyell Thompson - Long Time Friend

Dear Mrs. Parks and David, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I didn't know him personally, but have heard only great things about Donald. My prayers or with you and your family. I will always appreciate you Mrs. Parks during my dark days of depression when my son. Trin, was in your class and you loaned me a book on depression that helped me so much. My deepest sympathy. My God bless and give you the strength to get through this tough time. He is always there.

Lynett Vinson - Friend

On the way to work this morning I was thinking about attending the funeral service this morning and a feeling came over me that this was the end of a era in Prairie Grove. Over the last two years Prairie Grove has lost two patriarchs of our community with the passing of Donald and Barry Parks.

Greg Reed - Friend

Peggy,David and family We were so sorry to hear of Donald's death-Aunt Dolly called us late Thursday night to tell us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! We found out so late we couldn't rearrange work schedules to be there today. We will be thinking of you. John & Carolyn

John And Carolyn Brooks - Cousin

We just wanted to say how sorry we are for your loss. The pictures were so beautiful and it was great that you shared them with us. It has been an honor for us to know your family and watch how you have helped the Prairie Grove Community and all of Arkansas. You have all been an inspiration to all of us. Take care.

Jim And Phyllis McGinty - Friend

We have known Donald, loving husband of our dear cousin, Peggy, for many years, but opportunities to see or converse with him have been rare because of our lives' years of great separation. On those few occasions to see and visit with him, we found him to be warm and congenial, and a person we would have loved to know better and see more often. Our thoughts and prayers are with Peggy and David and with all the other loved ones and associates who will miss his presence. There can be no doubt that Donald is now with his Savior, Jesus Christ, who promised to be with him and us forever! Amen

Tommye And David Kelly - Cousin-In-Law

Ada Lee And Bill Shook - Longtime Friends

Tommye And David Kelly - Cousin-In-Law

I am certain that Donald is experiencing the greatest joy where he has surely gone. His only sadness is to look back on us and see how forlorn we are to have been left behind, if only temporarily.

Jim Murphy - Nephew

My condolences to Peggy, my wonderful aunt,and David, my cousin, in this time of great and personal loss.I hope that my words might help to support you even a small fraction of the encouragment that your words have given me over the years. Uncle Donald was a kind and generous man and, although he is undoubtably in a better place, the loss of him will be felt forever. Andrew Hicks

Andrew Hicks - Nephew

What a honorable man Donald Parks always was. He left a wonderful example for every little boy or grown man to look at. Forget celebrities, Donald was the example our children need more of in this day. Not only was he a devoted husband to Peggy and a loving father to David, he was a hardworking and wise business man, who set the right example for his employees by being fair with them, and working longer hours than them. We also appreciate the excellence in everything he did. He wasn't a man to settled for a half done job. He also was a generous man, who gave not only financially back to his community and church, but who gave of his personal time to help whenever he could. We know that he was helped to be the wonderful person he was by his devoted and loving wife Peggy and his precious son David, as well as his parents and others. So we would like to thank you also for the examples that you have set for all of us, and know that we will never, never forget Donald Parks.

Larry & Be-Ann Walker - Friend

I am very sorry for your loss. You are blessed, David, for the loving relationship you had with your father. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sherry Schooler

Joe Martin Murphy - Cousin

Peggy and David, Just noticed that Donald had passed away when I came to Luginbuel's website to sign another friend's guestbook. Sorry for your loss! Viewed the slides--beautiful life, beautiful family!!! God bless you during this first Christmas season without him!

Randall And Anna Spear - Friend