Lee Parks

Funeral Services for Howard Lee Parks, 59, of Tulsa, will be held Saturday, October 25, 2014 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints located at 3640 S. New Haven Avenue, Tulsa, OK 74135 . Bishop Carl Morley will officiate and burial will be in the Rest Haven Cemetery in Sperry, OK. Arrangements and services are entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Lee was born October 5, 1955 in Tulsa, OK to Daniel Edward and Virginia Ruth (Lee) Darrow Parks. He passed away October 20, 2014 in Tulsa, OK.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Edward & Virginia Ruth (Lee) Darrow Parks, an infant sister, June Ilene, and a brother, Danny Bruce Parks who died in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Grandparents on maternal side, Velma Alexander and Howard Darrow, and grandparents on paternal side, Sterling E. and Vernie Powell Parks also preceded him.

He is survived by his five children: Christian Michael, age 20; Saffra Alle, age 19; Liahona Cerron Danelle, age 16; Artissma Sonrisa, age 14; and Elijah Norahs, age 12. Lee is also survived by 3 older siblings: Joyce Dian Parks, residing in Alaska; Beverly Jean Parks living in TN; and Michael Edward Parks splitting time between WA and S.A. There are a host of cousins on both sides of the family.

Lee grew up in Sperry, OK. From second grade on he attended Oklahoma School for the Blind. He was recognized as a candidate for Who’s Who in America during those years. His senior year, he transferred to Booker T. Washington in Tulsa where he graduated. Lee had a thirst for knowledge and pursued an education until his death. He particularly loved the sciences working toward an engineering degree. He obtained a Bachelor in Business from Tulsa Community College with continued studies at St. Gregory University. He became an entrepreneur with his own businesses; Lee’s Health Center, as well as a masseuse & was passionate about teaching his children to follow suit.

During his 59 years Lee shared many family moments. To note a few: a class trip to Tampico, Mexico while attending Booker T. Washington, sailing in the Caribbean with his siblings, various trips to Alaska for family reunions, Alaska cruises with brother Michael to see Kodiak brown bears & catch salmon; Isla Mujeres, Mexico, with family from TN; and many trips with his children for the annual Marfans conferences throughout the years visiting with family and friends along the way.

Lee is remembered as being extremely creative, witty often accentuated with his “caterpillar eyebrows”, coy, an artist & excellent woodworker delighting his friends & family with his thoughtful gifts. He played in OSB’s stage band, sang in the school choir & taught himself the piano. His interests were varied & extensive indicative of his thirst of knowledge, so much so, his brother remarked” he was the smartest man I know”.

Lee spent many years with service to others through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was well loved and received by his many friends and acquaintances.

Lee died of Disseminated Histoplasmosis underlined with Marfans Syndrome, a life-threatening genetic disorder. Family requests that any donations be made in Lee’s honor to the Marfans organization for research. This can be done online at https://www.marfan.org

We as family, are very appreciative of the care and concern shown to us during Lee’s long illness.