Born on July 10, 1939, to Tilden Parkes, Jr. and Bertha Franks Parkes in Winston County, Lamar was delivered by his grandfather, Dr. Parkes. Lamar married the love of his life, Martha Dawn Luke, on October 22, 1960. He hung and finished drywall for almost 50 years before retiring to his farm near the Nanih Waiya Mound. Mar, as he was affectionately called by his grandchildren, loved his family fiercely and supported their many athletic endeavors for as long as his health would allow.
Lamar is survived by his wife of 65 years, Martha Dawn Parkes; and his children: Renee Parkes (Glen) Jones, Luke (Tammy) Parkes, and Dan (Kayla) Parkes all of Louisville. One of his greatest joys was being “Mar” to his 12 grandchildren: Amanda Stanton (Adam), Jaimee (Justin) Childs, Drew (Cheryl) Jones, Meredith (Jon) Cherry, Cody (Anzie) Parkes, Warner Parkes, Marlee (Will) Stewart, Morgan (Michael) Pace, Channing Parkes, Taylor (Tayler) Miller, Blaine Miller, and Montana Miller. Mar especially enjoyed his 17 great-grandchildren: Bryce Stanton, Eli Stanton, Cade Jones, Peyton Jones, Grayson Jones, Hunter Gustavsen, Patton Childs, Quintin Childs, Hanna Gustavsen, Anders Cherry, Chancey Parkes, Charlee Parkes, Parker Williamson, Allie Kate Williamson, Hayes Pace, Nash Pace, and Rory Pace. He is also survived by his brother, Johnny (Ann) Parkes; in addition to a host of loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles Anderson Parkes and wife, Jean.
Serving as pallbearers are Drew Jones, Jon Cherry, Cody Parkes, Will Stewart, Taylor Miller, Michael Pace, Eli Stanton, and Bryce Stanton. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Men’s Sunday School Class at Harmony Baptist Church, the Nanih Waiya Water Board, and all close friends and family.
