Richard E. Parks, age 78, died Friday, February 10, 2012 at the Stevens County Hospital in Hugoton , Kansas . He was born December 4, 1933 in Shenandoah , Iowa , the son of Cecil Johnson and Ruby Pontious; later adopted by Frank and Opal (Etter) Parks.

Richard, a lifetime trucker, graduated high school in Pawnee City , Nebraska . He was a member of the American Legion, lifetime member of V.F.W. in Salt Lake City , and a member of the National Rifle Association. Richard married Betty Lane on December 9, 1972 in Elko , Nevada .

Survivors include his wife, Betty of Hugoton; children, Nancy Richards and husband James of Flint, Michigan, Teresa (Teri) Tupper of Flint, Michigan, Julie Collier and husband Thomas of Thornton, Colorado, Pamela (Pam) Addelman and husband Larry of Table Rock, Nebraska, Ruby Parks of Phoenix, Arizona, Clayton (Clay) Parks and wife Brenda of Manter, Kansas, Loyd Kirkland of Manter, Kansas, Robert (Bob) Kirkland and wife Cheryl of Denver, Colorado, Raymond (Ray) Kirkland and wife Gail of Denver, Colorado; 26 grandchildren; and 55 great grandchildren.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; son, Howard; and daughter, Margaret.

Memorial service will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the First Christian Church in Hugoton with Pastor Randy Nash officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Hugoton Cemetery in Hugoton with Military Rites conducted by V.F.W. Post #5391. Memorial contributions may be given to the Hugoton V.F.W. #5391 in care of Garnand Funeral Home, 423 S Main , Hugoton , KS 67951 .