Reginald Dewayne Parks-El

Reginald Dewayne Parks-El transitioned from his earthly home on December 1, 2018 at Research Medical Center after battling several chronic illnesses. Reginald was the sixth child born to the union of Ernest Parks and Odessa (McDowell) Parks on December 13, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Reverend Gerald and Fannie Davis; a brother, Archie Omar Parks; uncles, Richard Parks and Lynn McDowell; as well as, aunts, Betty Parks, Clarice Powell, Sonya Renee Baston and Jimmie Lee McDowell.

Reginald was educated in the Kansas City, Missouri School District and worked at Hyde Park Nursing Home for a number of years until his health began to fail. He subsequently became a career foster parent for the Missouri Department of Social Services focusing his efforts on hard to place children with emotional or behavioral disorders. His passion, patience, understanding and unconditional love for children inspired him and Debbie, his wife of nineteen years, to adopt four adolescent boys whom they diligently nurtured and instilled the importance of God and family.

Reginald joined Greater Revelation Worship Center in 2004 under the leadership of the late Pastor Larry Ray Lacy. Through Pastor Lacy’s tutelage he became grounded in the word of God and was ordained as a Deacon. Deacon Parks-El served as a faithful member in word and deed for over fourteen years until his health prevented him from attending church regularly.

Affectionately, known as “Deacon Parks-El, Pal Pal, Uncle Reggie, and Danky,” by those who knew him intimately, Reginald possessed many endearing qualities. But most importantly, he lived life consistent with the fruit of the spirit; love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Despite being challenged by multiple health issues his daily walk with God was governed by 2 Corinthians 5:7 “for we walk by faith, not by sight.” Reginald lived life to the fullest, never complained or questioned God and, in the end faced death with courage, grace, and humility.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife Deborah Godfrey Parks-El; children; Reginald (Mary) Parks-El, St. Joseph, MO; Cyrene (Keaton) Brown, Independence, MO; Lashawnda Parks-El, Blue Springs, MO; Maurice (Latonya) Godfrey; Quindala Godfrey Anderson; adopted sons, Quinterranyous Parks-El, Gharon Parks-El, Keron Parks-El, and Deyja Parks-El; siblings; Ernest (Linda) Parks, Hopkinsville, KY; Ernestine Franklin; Robin Parks; Richard (Karen) Parks; Harbor City, CA; Andre (Joyce) Parks;

Sonya Renee Parks; Shane (Tina) Parks; Independence, MO; and Michael (Lisa) Parks; other siblings; Alganonn Parks, Sr.; Pharaoh (Lola) Parks, Rock Island, IL; Oasis Parks; Artura Parks; Raheam Parks, Hassonn (Kendra) Parks, Raytown, MO; Aaron Malachi Parks, Las Vegas, NV; Personna Parks; Shantosha Parks; and, Nijama Parks. He also leaves a stepmother, Linda Parks; one aunt, Deborah (Herman) Munson; uncles, Greenberry El; Dr. Jackie Baston; and Yinka Sholaja; two special grandchildren whom he assisted in raising, Rayvon Haney and Quinton Shelby; and, a nephew whom he adored, Michael (Mikey) Parks; eleven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.