HUTCHINSON - Claude D. Parks, 78, died Feb. 17, 2010, at Hospice House in Hutchinson. He was born June 26, 1931, in rural Reno County, to W.A. and V. Katherine Elam Parks. He was a lifelong Reno County resident. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1949 and received his B.S. from Emporia State University and his Masters Degree from Pittsburg State University. He was a drafting professor at Hutchinson Community College, retiring after 27 years. Prior to that he taught at Sherman Junior High and Hutchinson High School.

He was a member of Hutchinson Community College Activities Assn., and Lysle Rishel Post #68 of the American Legion. For many years he was the ticket sales chairman for the Blue Dragons at the Sports Arena, and a volunteer at the National Junior College Basketball Tournaments. He was also a volunteer with the Sheriff's Senior Patrol, and the 3A State Basketball Tournament. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. On Jan. 21, 1958, he married Martha "Martie" Hays in Newton. She survives.

Other survivors include: son, Ron Parks and wife Crystal, of Hutchinson; daughter, LeeAnn Schulthess and husband John, of Haven; sister, Beth Moore and husband Johnny, of Severy; grandsons, Justin and Kyle Parks; sister-in-law, Sherye Parks, of Hutchinson; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Tom Parks, on Aug. 2, 1983; a brother, Bill Parks; and a sister, Maxine Worten.

Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, 2010, at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery and Mausoleum, Hutchinson, with Rev. Pat Ault-Duell officiating. Friends may call 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary, with the family present to receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hutchinson Community College Endowment Fund or the donor's choice, in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to www.elliottmortuary.com.