Paul Lawrence Parks was born September 11, 1934, in Haskell, Oklahoma, to Robert and Alma Parks. He was preceded in death by daughter, Georgianna Barrett; both parents; step-father, Jesse Johnson; sisters, Lillian Thompson, Erma Eason, and Barbara Parks.

Paul grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, after his parents moved to the area. He attended RT Coles High School where he was active, played football and graduated.

Paul met Odelia Shumate at the YMCA and in 1956 they were married. In 1959, he accepted Jesus Christ, was Baptized, and became a member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Later Paul and his family joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church where he was very active serving as a Trustee, Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent for the Intermediate Department. He also sang in the Male Chorus and the Mass Choir.

Paul worked for Ford Motor Company as an Assembly Line Worker and later became a Foreman and a Committeeman Union Rep. After retirement from Ford, he became a driver for the Life Care Center of Grandview, transporting senior residents. Then he worked for Laidlaw Bus Co. as a Bus Driver and later a Bus Monitor.

Paul leaves to cherish his loving memory, his wife, Odelia Parks; his daughters, Rhonda Sutton (Robert) and Allison Parks; his brothers, Phillip Parks (JoAnne) and Curtis Crenshaw (Brenda) and Jesse Johnson (Rita); 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .