Frederick "Fred" Lewis Parks Sr.

Frederick “Fred” Lewis Parks Sr. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana passed away on July 31^st, 2023. He was 76 years old. Fred was a fun-loving, quick-witted and business savvy individual who loved his family fiercely. Known for his infinite wisdom, sound advice and generosity, he was called upon frequently for advice by many. He was affectionately known as “Papa” and “The Old Tiger” by his family. 

Fred was born in Monroe, Louisiana on October, 20^th 1946. He grew up in Oak Ridge, Louisiana, where he worked on the family farm learning about hard work and duck hunting from his father. Fred attended Louisiana State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree of Accounting in 1969. In his professional life, Fred was a “Jack of all Trades”.  He is best known for his work as a Certified Public Accountant, a Land and Subdivision Developer and his work at Carline Management Company - a marine transportation company on the Mississippi River.  

Fred is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Jan Neel Parks, who he met while attending Louisiana State University.  Fred and Jan were not only husband and wife, but they were also best friends. They would often brag that they were married for 55 years to the same dude! Fred’s proudest achievement was the incredibly close family that he and Jan built together.  

Fred leaves behind two loving sons Bradford Tyler Parks Sr. (Jennifer Parks) and Frederick Lewis Parks Jr. (Kristy Parks).  His greatest love of all was watching his four grandchildren grow and flourish nearby. He was exceptionally proud of those grandchildren, Bradford Tyler Parks Jr., Madison Michelle Parks, Avery Camille Parks, and Frederick Lewis Parks III.

Fred also leaves behind a very special best friend, his beloved Yellow Labrador “Tiger”. His family referred to him as “Papa’s Tiger”. It was rare that you could find Papa cruising around Baton Rouge without his buddy Tiger. His friends and family were never shocked to see Tiger sitting in the front seat of the car while he dined at his favorite Baton Rouge eatery. Fred loved to “eat but not cook” and always made sure to bring a “doggy bag” for Tiger. In addition to cruising in the car, Fred and Tiger also shared a great passion for duck hunting. Between the months of November to January, they could both be found at his duck hunting camp outside of Monroe, Louisiana. It was there that they spent many years of quality time hunting and fishing with friends and family.  

Fred’s hearty laugh and infectious grin made him an instant lifelong friend to so many. Those friends would probably say that the only thing he held closer to his heart than his family were his blue pillows. He didn’t leave home without them. “Have you seen my blue pillows?” was a common question heard at the Parks’ house. His family feels certain that they will be finding several “lost” blue pillows around the house for years to come.

They will also fondly remember New Year’s Eve with Fred. The yearly tradition of making homemade hats was a hobby that he took very seriously. Much to his wife Jan’s dismay, the family room on December 31^st was typically covered in what Papa referred to as “décor”, but mostly consisted of feathers, greenery handpicked from their beautiful yard, playing cards, string, and anything else that could be glued to a hat. When you walked into a party on New Year’s Eve with Fred, you were sure to make a real ENTRANCE.

Fred is also survived by his sister Millicent Parks McConnell of Ruston, Louisiana. He is preceded in death by his parents S.L. and Mildred Williams Parks

The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Pavani Ellipeddi and staff, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Ikeetha Vince and staff, and Decision Critical nursing staff for their dedicated, compassionate and loving care. They would also like to thank all of their friends for the countless words of encouragement and well wishes they have received over the last few months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made in Fred’s name to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX or to Garage 10 Baton Rouge. Donations to MD Anderson can be made online at mdanderson.org. Donations to Garage 10 Baton Rouge can be made online at garage10br.com or by mail to PO Box 82229, Baton Rouge, LA 70884.

In keeping with the wishes of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, there will be no public services held at this time. There will be a Celebration of Life held at a later date.  

To our Dear Fred, Papa and Old Tiger, you always “did it your way”.

We will love you and miss you forever.