PRESQUE ISLE and HARTLAND – Ruel E. Parks, 43, loving husband, father, grandfather, and coach unexpectedly went to be with his Lord, March 9, 2004, while attending the University of Maine Presque Isle. Ruel was an amazing man, he took care of his family for 23 years and sacrificing everything for them he decided to go back to school and do what he loved, coach. Ruel was a person that touched everyone he met. He loved everyone and had such a huge heart he would do anything for anyone. He was born in Hartland, May 16, 1960, the son of Enoch and Anita (Neal) Parks. He was a 1979 graduate of Hermon Christian School. He married Deborah Henderson, Aug. 16, 1980. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving from 1981 to 1987. At the time of his death, Ruel was a student at the University of Maine Presque Isle. He was the assistant coach of the UMPI Women’s Basketball Team. He is survived by his parents, Enoch and Anita Parks of Hartland; his wife, Deborah Parks of Presque Isle; three sons, Spec. Philip R. and his wife, April Parks of Ft. Riley Kan., Aaron R. Parks and Nathaniel E. Parks, both of Presque Isle; two daughters, Sarah F. Parks and Abigail Parks, both of Presque Isle; three grandchildren, Robert, Lillian, and Miriam; three sisters, Selena and her husband, Rusty Bell of Benton, Cheryl and her husband, Rick Kennedy of Detroit, and Kim Parks of Massachusetts; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will also be remembered by his loving wife’s parents, Rev. Robert and Mrs. Janet Henderson of Rockland. He was predeceased by a sister, Lisa. Memorial services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the Canaan Calvary Church in Canaan and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14, 2004, at Weideen Gymnasium at the University of Maine Presque Isle. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in Ruel’s name to the Foundation (for Scholarships) U.M.P.I., 181 Main St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Brown Funeral Home, 34 High St., Newport. To sign an online guest book please visit www.philipbrownfuneralhome.com.
RUEL E. PARKS
