Walter Kenneth Parks Jr. passed away on June 1, 2022 surrounded by his family at his home. He was the widower of Julia Parks. They shared 56 years of marriage together.

Born in Nashville TN, he graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1963 from the School of Engineering, Tau Beta Pi Engineering Society, and received an MBA at Drury College in 1976.

Thinking everything could be repaired, improved and refitted, dad thought that nothing should be thrown away. It could always be repurposed, redesigned or salvaged. I think that's why he never gave up on any of us. He taught us to never give up on the people we care about most. Never give up. Never give up on our selves, our team members and coworkers. Never, never give up.

Ken worked at General Electric for 37 years. He was manger of quality control. Designer of the multi speed motor for home appliances. He held several patients by General Electric. He was known as a friendly person and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by family, colleges and community leaders, family and friends.  He always lead by example. Volunteering for company picnics, water slides and dunking booths. He was a lover of dogs but especially loved cats. He was an avid outdoorsman. He was a four wheel drive enthusiast. Also, he was a amateur bridge builder. He enjoyed growing roses and giving them to mom. Dad built his first cabin on the lake. He enjoyed his wood-shop and wood working projects. Ken loved his grandchildren, sons and daughter. He was quiet and kind and will be very missed by all of us.

He is survived by his friends Janice Buttram and Janice Floyd, his children Walter Parks, Paul Parks, Susan Cooper, daughter in law Loretta Parks, son in law Todd Cooper, and 6 grandchildren Mavis, Eli, Grace, Will, Caroline, Luke and a cat named "Kat."