Charles Robert (Bob) Parks

Funeral services for Charles Robert (Bob) Parks, 93, Lawrence, KS, formerly of Topeka, KS, will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence. A burial will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka. Bob passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Bob was born on July 12, 1929, in Osage City, KS, the son of James Thomas and Elnora May (Goldsmith) Parks. He spent his youth in various towns across Colorado and Kansas as his father worked as a section foreman for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Bob was happy when his family settled in Utica, KS, where he completed the 5th through 12th grades. After graduating from Utica High School in 1947, he studied one year at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS, then returned to Utica to work full-time as a “gandy dancer” on the railroad.

During the Korean War, he was drafted into the US Army and reported for basic training at Fort Riley in March of 1951. While on active duty, Bob served as a medical clerk at a US radio monitoring base in Asmara, Eritrea, located in the Horn of Africa. He attained the rank of Sergeant prior to his honorable discharge in February of 1953.

Later that year, Bob enrolled at the University of Kansas. Supported by the GI Bill, he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics in January of 1957. After graduating, he immediately accepted a teaching position in Ellsworth, KS. This launched a life-long career as a mathematics educator. He moved to Topeka in 1959 to teach at Capper Junior High School. While at Capper, he returned to the University of Kansas, earning his Master of Education degree in 1965. Bob accepted a teaching position at Topeka West High School in 1968, where he remained until his retirement in 1991.

Bob greatly enjoyed time with his family, often sharing tales of his youth and military service. He was an avid KU basketball fan and enjoyed cheering for the KC Royals.

Bob married Betty Jean Hayward on August 15, 1951, in Junction City, KS. She died September 2,1972.

He married Barbara Howey on December 22, 1973, in Topeka, KS. She survives at home.

Other survivors include his children: Cynthia (Bill) Gerstmyer; Rebecca Richmond; Jeffrey (Lynn) Stone; Laurie (Loren) Kallenbach; brother Leonard Parks; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Cynthia Stone; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Pat Parks, Hank Holmes, Louise Woods, Kenny Parks, and Marvin Parks; son Gregory Stone; and son-in law Brad Richmond.

The family suggests memorials in Bob’s name to Disabled American Veterans and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.