William Parks

"More is a man of an angel's wit and singular learning; I know not his fellow. For where is the man of that gentleness, lowliness, and affability? And as time requireth a man of marvelous mirth and pastimes; and sometimes of a sad gravity: a man for all seasons."
- Robert Whittinton on Sir Thomas More

William Robert Parks was born on February 21, 1949 in Brownwood, Texas to Bill R. and Carolyn Parks, and he died on June 18, 2015 in Monahans. In between these dates, Bob Parks exemplified what it is to be a man: Steadfast and dutiful; Compassionate and sincere; Intelligent and determined. These qualities and many others defined Bob Parks and inspired many of his friends, colleagues and fellow human beings along the way.

Bill and Carolyn moved to Monahans shortly after Bob's birth, and Bob spent his childhood and adolescence there. During his childhood in Monahans, Parks was an exemplary student and was active in Boy Scouts. Bob attended Monahans High School, where he was the president of the Class of '67 and salutatorian. He was also active in many organizations during his time at MHS, including the National Merit Society, Latin Club and was an AFS exchange student to Japan.

After high school, Bob attended Rice University on a National Merit Scholarship. At Rice, he began his college career focusing on Chemistry and Biology with hopes of becoming a scientist. Bob later switched his focus to history and was elected student body president. He graduated in 1973, after taking a brief sabbatical to work for a family friend in El Paso.

After Rice, Bob attended the University of Texas School of Law, where he studied under legendary Tort professor, W. Page Keeton. Keeton and the other outstanding faculty members helped hone Bob's keen legal mind and fostered his love of the law, a love affair that lasted the rest of his life.

Upon graduation from UT Law, Bob moved back to West Texas and began his legal career with Kerr, Fitzgerald and Kerr in Midland, Texas. During his time working for the outstanding partners at Kerr, Fitzgerald and Kerr, he developed his conception of the law as a powerful tool to protect property and individual rights, and a means to keep the government honest.

Parks moved back to Monahans in 1980 to start his own law practice. He also served as City Attorney for five years in the early 1980s and was a member of the Texas Bar Foundation and president of the Ward County Bar Association as well as the Trans-Pecos Bar Association during this time. In 1986, Governor Mark White appointed Bob to the bench of the 143rd judicial district. Parks finished the term of Judge Larry Fuller, a friend and mentor to Bob, who had left the 143rd to take a seat on the Eighth Court of Appeals in El Paso.

Parks won a contested reelection to the 143rd in 1988, and he ran uncontested for all of his subsequent terms through his last reelection in November 2012. In all, Bob Parks served as the State District Judge for the 143rd Judicial District for over 28 years. His friend and trusted colleague Cathy Adams served as his Court Administrator for his entire tenure on the bench.

In addition to his service as District Judge, Parks was involved in a number of organizations, including the Trans-Pecos Bar Association, the Ward County Bar Association, the American Bar Association and others. Parks served on the board of Rice University for several years in the late 1990's and early 2000's, and he was extremely proud to be an elder in the Presbyterian Church.

On top of his many educational and professional accomplishments, Bob was also a consummate family man. He married Cathy Parks on March 7, 1987 and became a father to her daughters Christi and Lisa. Justin and Allison followed along shortly to make a household of six.

Bob is survived by his wife, Cathy of Monahans; his daughter Christi Eddings and husband Joey of Monahans; daughter Lisa Smith and husband Cassidy of Midland; Justin Parks of Monahans; and Allison Parks of Monahans; his sister Jane Shaw and husband Rusty of Monahans; his niece Jennifer Jimenez and husband Cody of Monahans; niece Paige Shaw of Midland; four grandchildren, Nicol Tester and husband Justin of Monahans; Cameron Eddings of Monahans; Nathan Smith of Midland, and Karleigh Smith, also of Midland; great-nephew, Brody Jimenez of Monahans; and one brand-new great-granddaughter, Rylee Day Tester of Monahans.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Bill R. and Carolyn Parks; his sister, Nancy Parks; and his brother, Jack Russell Parks.

Memorial services will be 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Ward County Coliseum located at 3600 S. Stockton in Monahans.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made to Friends of the Sandhills State Park, the West of the Pecos Museum, First United Methodist Church of Monahans or the charity of your choice.

Service