John Michael Parks

Mike Parks, 72, died Monday, May 8 after a courageous battle with glioblastoma. A small family memorial service was held at Highland Park United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas on Friday, May 19. He will be inurned at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas.

Mike was born on December 29, 1950 in Warrensburg, Missouri to Emory and Lorene Parks. After growing up in Independence, Missouri, Mike graduated from the University of Kansas in 1973. Mike's career took him to Omaha, Nebraska where he married his wife Maureen in 1980. They had two sons, Chris and Dan. His career took Mike across the country from San Mateo, California, Boston, Massachusetts, Atlanta, Georgia and eventually to Dallas, Texas.

Mike was a devoted husband and father who would do anything for his family. He most enjoyed spending time with them traveling, playing golf, and visiting national parks for wildlife viewing. Some of his happiest memories were spending time in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado especially at Copper Mountain. Mike also enjoyed spending time and traveling with close friends and extended family.

In business, Mike was known as a decisive and thoughtful leader. He valued all people, led with integrity, and instilled diversity and ethical values into his company's culture. Mike was charitable with his time and talents to many causes in the Dallas, Omaha, Kansas City and Rocky Mountain areas. He refrained from taking credit, believing that it was his duty to give generously to others.

Mike fought his brain cancer diagnosis with his characteristic positivity, attention to detail and persistence. He never complained and always got on with whatever needed to be done. Through his treatments, Mike was the best example of courage for his family.

Please direct any memorials in his honor to these organizations that he supported:

Dallas, Texas - Belong Disability Ministry, Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, Attn: Stephanie Newland

Omaha, Nebraska - The Madonna School, 6402 North 71st Plaza, Omaha, NE 68104, www.madonnaschool.org/donate

Independence, Missouri/Kansas City, Missouri - Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City, 4001 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Ste 102, Kansas City, MO 64130, www.helpkckids.org