Darwin Parks

Darwin Alton Parks, age 100, died on January 19, 2026, at Independence Village in East Lansing.

Darwin was born on May 17, 1925, in Sherwood, Michigan, one of five sons born to share-cropping parents, Jesse P. Parks and Vera L. (Alger) Parks. He grew up in Sherwood, attended Mudsock Grade School, and graduated from Union City High School.

At the age of 16, Darwin earned a place on the Michigan 4-H Dairy Judging Team, representing Michigan at the 1941 National Dairy Show in Memphis, Tennessee. The ten-day trip through the segregated South left a lasting impression and was an experience that shaped his outlook on life.

Darwin married Ruth Strong on January 12, 1946, in Coldwater, Michigan. Together they shared over 68 years of marriage, building a life grounded in hard work, partnership, and devotion to family.

After managing a dairy farm for three years, Darwin began a career with the Michigan State University Veterinary Hospital, where he worked for 38 years, retiring in 1986 as Coordinator of Operations. During his time at MSU, he served two terms as labor union president, was active on the Farming Labor Council, and served two terms as Vice President of the Michigan State AFL-ASME Labor Council.

A tireless worker, Darwin always held part-time jobs in addition to his full-time employment, including selling popcorn and peanuts, painting, and office cleaning. He and Ruth were equal partners in restoring, renting, and selling rental properties, a venture they managed together with pride.

Darwin traveled to all 48 contiguous states, volunteered with the American Red Cross, and remained active and engaged throughout his life. He often reflected that he had lived a wonderful life, one marked by purpose, perseverance, and gratitude.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Ruth in 2015; his son, Howard (Diane) Parks; his parents; and his brothers Max (Doris), Loren (Virginia), Dexter (Fern), and Lyle (Pat).

Darwin is survived by his children, Janice (Gary) Kolk, Doug (the late Sandy) Parks, Jessica (the late David) Leathers, and Juliane (David) Bakos; grandchildren Norman Kolk, Heather (Eric) Robel, Kristen (Shaun) Schnepel, and Mason Leathers; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother- and sister-in-law Ralph (Audrey) Strong.

Services will be held privately.