Richard E. “Rich” Parks, 77, of Coloma, passed away Sunday, Jan. 16, 2022 at Spectrum Health Lakeland in St. Joseph. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life time of gathering will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 1-4 p.m. at The Coloma American Legion, 351 E. St. Joseph St., Coloma.
The family is requesting memorials be made to the VA Battle Creek Health Care, 5500 Armstrong Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037. Those wishing to share a memory of Richard online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Rich was born Aug. 17, 1944, in Benton Harbor, to James & Mary (Clauss) Parks. Rich married the love of his life, Carol Mutz on Oct. 14, 1967 in St. Joseph.
In 1964, Rich served our country by proudly enlisting in the United States Navy until 1966 and then entered the reserves until 1968.
He was a proud truck driver for over 50 years. He was a member of the American Legion and a former Officer of the American Legion at the district and state level. He enjoyed spending time fishing and drinking his favorite drink, ice cold Coors Lite. However, what he loved most was spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Rich is survived by his children, Jerry (Shelley) Parks and Wendy (Rodney) Tolbert; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and sister, Mary Ann Schmaltz.
He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Carol; and brothers, Tommy & Everett Parks.