Donald Ephraim Parks

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