Donald Lacy Parks

Donald Lacy Parks

At the age of 84, Don passed away peacefully in his sleep during the early morning hours of April 29, 2025. He was a patient at the Laurels of Milford, Milford, Ohio.

Don was born on May 6, 1940, in Olympia, Kentucky, the only child of Pearl and Lacy Parks. He was of the Christian Faith being a member of the former Olympia Christian Church. Don was a bright and curious child that worked in the family store. He liked to tell a story that he could count change by the time he was 6 years old. In high school, he learned to play the trombone and was a member of the Owingsville High School Marching Band, Owingsville, Kentucky.

After graduating from Owingsville High School in 1958 he began studies at Morehead State College, Morehead, Kentucky. Don graduated from Morehead in 1961 with a bachelor's degree in history / Geography. He earned a master's degree from the University of Kentucky in 1965 with a Major in Library Sciences. His teaching career began in the fall of 1961 at Amelia Middle School as a 7th grade teacher. The following year he was hired by Anderson High School as a History teacher. Don taught at Anderson for 32 years. He learned to be a photographer and spent time filming Anderson High School Football and Basketball Games. After retiring from the classroom, he taught Saturday School and Alternative School for 15 years. He really enjoyed working with his students.

Don's hobbies included photography, softball, bowling, boating, camping, soccer and riding motorcycles. Music was also a driving force in his life. Big Band and Barbershop were among his favorites. Don and his wife Lana took many motorcycle trips over the years. Each of them rode their own Harley Davidson Soft Tail. Some of the highlights included a trip around Lake Superior, a tour of Michigan Lighthouses, and Indiana Covered Bridges. Their favorite was a tour of the Western United States; they rode over 7,000 miles that trip alone. Don was a very social person that always had story to tell.

He is survived by Lana Parks, his loving wife of 59 years, son Barry Parks, daughter Krista Wirtley, grandchildren Keri Williams, Kiara Parks, Alexis Parks, Charis Wirtley, Carina Wirtley, Calea Wirtley, great grandchildren Anna Williams and Quinn Williams.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, May 8, at 1PM followed by a memorial service at 2 PM, all at Evans Funeral Home, 741 Center St, Milford Ohio 45150.  A video of the service will be available on the Evans Funeral Home website after the service for those unable to attend in person.  In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity, in his honor.

Immediately following, a celebration of life will be held at The Blue-Ribbon Café on the Clermont County Fairgrounds