Montel "Tail" Demond Parks

Montel Demond Parks, affectionately known as “Tail,” was born on October 31, 1987, and was called home far too soon on the morning of May 13, 2026, after becoming the victim of a senseless act of violence on May 12. Though his time on earth was not nearly long enough, the love he gave, the laughter he shared, and the dreams he carried will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A proud graduate of South High School, Class of 2006, he was a man of determination, talent, and heart. He worked hard, dreamed big, and continued pushing forward as he built a better future for himself and his family.

His greatest love was his family. He married Alicia Parks, and together they were blessed with their daughter, Kaliyah, in 2009. Providing for them and creating a beautiful life together meant everything to him. He was looking forward to making their marriage official before God and the church on May 26, 2026, a new beginning he was excited to share with the woman and child he loved so deeply.

Driven and focused, he worked at Little Caesars and Wendy’s while pursuing his Master of Science degree online. He was also a business owner through his company, King’s Remodeling. With pride and purpose, he was creating a beautiful home for his family.

He had vision, determination, and a deep desire to keep growing.

He enjoyed singing, cutting hair, playing basketball, working on cars, cooking, eating, and spending time with family. Making others laugh and smile came naturally to him, and his presence could lift the spirit of a room.

Helping others was close to his heart. One of his dreams was to one day open a homeless shelter because he believed in caring for his fellow man. That giving spirit, along with his laughter, music, and love for family, will continue to be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Ricky Beard; his aunts, Janice “Ma” White, Peggy Ogunbiyi, and Lillie Malcom; and his grandmother, Patricia Malcom.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Alicia Parks; his daughter, Kaliyah Parks; his mother, Kijuania Parks-Alford (Aranaha Dale); his father, Simon Beard, Jr. and fiancée Kassandra Reid; his siblings, including his twin brother, Rontel Parks, with whom he shared a close and special bond, Dominique Beard, Jalesessa Beard, Ricky Beard, Simon Beard III, and Shawn Mitchell; his grandmother, Essie Ross; his aunts, Ruby Beard, Regina Beard, and Rose Malcom; Triver Bates and Doug Dixon; along with many other loved ones and friends whose hearts will forever hold his memory.

As his loved ones remember his laughter, his singing, and the love he had for his family, may they also hold close the words he left behind:

“Don’t cry for me, smile, laugh and remember my laugh and singing. Have strength and come together and not apart, embrace my wife and child and love them as you would love me.”

His life was a blessing, his memory will be treasured, and his love will remain with those who knew him best.

Visitation will be held at Devorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, Chapel, 201 South Hydraulic, Wichita, KS 67211, on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm.  

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at Devorss Flanagan-Hunt Mortuary, Chapel, 201 South Hydraulic, Wichita, KS 67211, on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 2:00 pm.