Donald Edward Parks

Frank Sr. and Irene Pendleton Parks. He departed this life on Sunday April 26,2020

at home in Washington DC with his loving companion of many years Paulette

Greene by his side. Donald was one of five siblings, four brothers and one sister.

Frank E. Parks Jr., Robert L. Parks and Loretta Parks also preceded him in death.

One sister-in law Robert’s wife preceded him in death as well. On December 11,

1948, Donald married Constance Thompson and out of this union two boys

Frankie D and Charles Edward were born. His wife and both sons also preceded

him in death.

Donald professed his love for Christ at an early age and was baptized and became

a member of First Baptist Omar Baptist Church under Rev. Roosevelt Hooks. In DC

Donald was a member of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. Wallace

Charles Smith. He was a faithful member of the Faith-Friendly Circle when he led

activities during the month of November. Donald also worked security in The

Family Life at the church during the week and on Sunday morning.

Donald graduated from the all black high school Aracoma where he excelled and

won All State Awards in both football and basketball under Coach Lacy Smith. His

outstanding athletic abilities, according to his brother Freddy, earned him the

nickname “Blue Fingers” for his ability to catch unbelievably hard passes in the

local newspaper, the Logan Banner. Donald was a veteran of the US Army, having

served during the Korean War. He sustained an injury to his finger and partially

lost one. This became a part of his charisma and charm.

Most of Donald’s professional career was spent in the DC Area. He was employed

at the Washington Navy Yard for many years. He spent the last years of

employment with US Federal Government Defense Mapping Agency where

retired from in 1993. Donald’s hobbies after retirement included fishing, raising a

garden and cheering on The Dallas Cowboys. In the latter years he spent most

holidays and summer vacations with his daughter Antoinette, Son-in Law Kyle

(Popeye) and grandson Morgan in WV and Tennessee. During these summer trips

to WV he met up with old friends from Omar, his football coach and attended the

Aracoma High School Reunion when it was held there every three years. When his

health permitted, he traveled to the reunion in whatever state hosted it. At the

age of 90, he traveled to the reunion in Tennessee last year and represented the

Parks family. He provided humor with his cool demeanor and provided comical

wisdom to family and friends alike. Spending time with his grandson Morgan was

the highlight of his days during the last years. When Morgan started playing

football, that bond grew deeper. He was so proud to announce to people, “This is

my grandson Morgan who is wearing my number 18 on his jersey”. They spent an

afternoon with Donald’s football coach Lacy Smith and even took a picture with

the Championship football. Morgan of course, showed off his two state

Championship rings from his high school. Donald’s Cowboys and Morgan’s

Seahawks were rivals so there were many discussions about football. In the

summer of 2019, his desire was to go to the beach. We spent a week in Ocean

City Md with Morgan driving and Donald as the co-pilot.

Donald leaves many more precious memories in the hearts of his Daughter

Antoinette(Kyle)Montgomery, Companion Paulette Greene, Grandchildren

Morgan Montgomery, Saeed (Cosetta) Ugbah, Najeebah(Wesley) Shine, Keith,

Latonya and Michael Parks; fourteen great-grandchildren; nine great great

grandchildren; two brothers Fred(Helen) and William(Nikki) Parks ; Sister-in Law

Helen Parks; several nieces, nephews, and friends.