Obituary:

          Thomas George Parks, age 74, Joplin, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at his home with family at his side.

          Thomas was born January 14, 1947 in Ottawa, KS, son of the late Hobart Barrett Parks and Lydia Hope (Kapp) Parks.  He grew up in Ottawa, graduating from Ottawa High School in 1965 before going to the Kansas Highway Patrol Academy in Salina, KS.  He worked as a State Trooper for the State of Kansas for over 15 years until an injury halted that career.  He then worked for the Ottawa USD290 as the Transportation Director until retirement in 2013. 

          Over the years Tom loved to customize cars and vans, was a very talented wood worker, and was an avid antique car enthusiast. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends at car shows over the years.  He enjoyed playing golf, and was an intense competitor when playing cards with anyone, his family, friends, and especially his coffee group friends.  He grew up as a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Ottawa.  He loved spending time with family, especially his grandchildren, and will be missed by many.

          In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Barrett Parks.

          Survivors include his loving wife, Shelley McColm Parks; children, Vanessa Copher (Levi) of Joplin, Tiffani Meier (Martin) of Lantana, Texas, Chad Parks (Tracy) of Dunedin, Florida, and Jennifer Sipols (James) of Edmond, Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren; and his sister-in-law, Cheryl Parks of Overland Park, KS.

          A celebration of life will be held on Friday, December 10, 2021 beginning at 2:00 p.m.at Parker Mortuary.  Friends are encouraged to come by to remember and share with family the good times spent with Tom over the years.

          The family requests that in honor of Tom, memorial contributions be made to your favorite animal shelter.