Lewis Ryan Parks

June 29, 1927 – August 21, 2026

Lewis Ryan Parks of Odessa, Texas, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the remarkable age of 99, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, hard work, service, devotion, and love for his family.

Lewis was born on June 29, 1927, in Vinita, Oklahoma, to John King Parks and Sara Josephine “Josie” Hicks. He was named after the doctor who delivered him and was blessed with 10 siblings. They grew up in what is now part of the Cherokee Nation.

Lewis attended Vinita High School, where he proudly played football and baseball. At the age of 18, he answered the call to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Army during World War II. He was stationed in Hawaii for part of his military service, an experience that reflected the discipline, dedication, and strong sense of responsibility he carried throughout his life.

Following his military service, Lewis continued pursuing his lifelong love of baseball and had the opportunity to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He later attended Spartan College of Aeronautics, earning certifications that led to a career as an airline mechanic with American Airlines.

On July 3, 1947, Lewis married the love of his life, Lillian Maxine Davenport, in Temple, Texas. Their marriage spanned 67 years and was built on love, devotion, and partnership. Together, they moved to Odessa, Texas, with their children, where they built their life and raised their family. As a family, they also shared a love for bowling and enjoyed bowling together in leagues, creating many cherished memories along the way.

After moving to Odessa, Lewis began a long career in the oilfield industry. He worked for Davenport Machine and Pump and eventually established a successful career in oilfield sales, selling pumps and forming lifelong friendships along the way. Lewis loved people, and people loved Lewis. His strong work ethic, determination, loyalty, and dedication to providing for his family were qualities that defined him throughout his life.

Lewis was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed talking football. He was a lifelong season ticket holder for Permian Panthers football and never missed a game, proudly cheering them on through the years. He also loved his beloved Oklahoma Sooners and the Dallas Cowboys. In his later years, he was blessed to share companionship and friendship with Paula Beauchamp.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents, John King Parks and Sara Josephine “Josie” Hicks; his beloved wife, Lillian Maxine Parks; his son, Gary Parks; and his daughter, Carla Duree; and his siblings.

He is survived by his granddaughter, Kim Marshall and her husband, Gary, of Gardendale, Texas; grandson, James Arnold and his wife, Mari, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; great-grandchildren, Brannon Jordan, Lanie Marshall, Jonahs Arnold, and Austin Arnold; great-great-grandchildren, Adaline Carla Jolie Marshall and Maverick Ryan Hayes Marshall; Nieces, Trish Parks, Anita Day, Karen Duerksen, and Trudy Vaughn; and many Great-Nieces and Nephews and cherished friends.

Lewis lived through nearly a century of extraordinary change, but the things that mattered most to him remained constant—family, hard work, perseverance, friendship, sports, and service to his country. His 99 years were truly a blessing to those fortunate enough to know and love him.

Lewis leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves a legacy of strength, resilience, devotion to family, and a life well lived. The stories he shared, the lessons he taught, the friendships he made, and the love he gave will continue through generations of his family.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., also at Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will include Gary Marshall, James Arnold, Mike Sterling, Dean Aussem, Jet Brown, Jonahs Arnold, and Austin Arnold.

Honorary Pallbearer will be Brannon Jordan.

Lewis will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched.