Chester Parks Jr.

Chester "Butch" Parks, Jr., a man who knew life was a game best played with a good hand and a better heart, has cashed in his chips at the grand age of 75. On November 13, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri, Butch decided to take his final bow, or perhaps his last slow trot around the bases, leaving behind a legacy as enduring as his favorite team's winning streak.

Born on April 19, 1949, in Kansas City, Missouri to Daisy Lancaster- Parks and Chester Parks Sr. Butch was a math wizard at Lincoln High School by day and a sports aficionado by night, dabbling in everything from basketball to the high dive. He was a man who believed in the power of education, soaring through the Federal Aviation Administration with the finesse of a pilot navigating clear skies.

After scoring a solid 60 on the Armed Forces Qualification Test, Butch enlisted in the Air Force on April 29, 1969, as an Airman Basic E1. He quickly became the 'radar' of his unit, fixing Doppler systems and radios with the precision of a Swiss watch, before saluting goodbye to the service as a Sergeant E4.

Butch's career with the Federal Aviation Administration was a series of promotions that read like a well-played game of chess. Starting as an Electronics Technician GS-4 at the National Communications Center, he moved his pawns strategically, capturing training after training, until he checked his career's king as a Full Journeyman Electronics Technician GS-12. His love for learning never dimmed, as evidenced by the 40-plus agency-sponsored courses he aced.

Off the clock, Butch was a high roller at the casino and a slugger on the softball field, playing for teams like the Rose Gang and The Gents. He was a die-hard fan of the KC Chiefs, KC Royals, and the Golden State Warriors, with a cheer for every touchdown, home run, and three-pointer. His favorite players, Daniel Sorensen and Alcides Escobar, might argue he was their loudest fan, while Willie Mays held a special place in his hall of fame heart.

Butch is survived by his all-star lineup: son Chris Hasley, daughters Franchesca Parks and Felicia Carter; brother Michael (Nova) Parks; Grandchildren Kamathi Parks, Kymari Parks, Legend Parks, Joseph Carter, Jalessa Carter and Great Grand-Children. He's now reunited with his VIP fans who got the best seats in the sky before him: his parents, Daisy Lancaster-Parks and Chester Parks Sr., his significant other Josephine "Jazzy" Washington, and a cheering squad of aunts, Dorothy Collins and Addie White; and cousin, Henry "Bushwacker" Williams.

The final whistle will blow with a celebration of Butch's life on November 30, 2024, at Mt. Moriah Newcomer & Freeman Memorial Home in Kansas City, MO. Fans can gather for a viewing at 10 AM, followed by an 11 AM service and a 12 PM committal service where we'll tip our hats and raise a glass to a man who played the game of life with love, laughter, and a little bit of mischief. Here's to Chester "Butch" Parks, Jr., the man who reminded us all to enjoy the game, no matter the score.