Richard Parks

Richard “Rip” Parks age 80 of Paoli, IN passed away unexpectedly Monday September 18, 2023. In Louisville, Kentucky. He was born July 22, 1943, in English, Indiana to Howard and Lois Parks.

He graduated from English-Sterling High School in 1961. He married the love of his life, Valerie Sue (Dean) Parks on October 24, 1964. He Started his career at Tafel Motors in 1964, moving up the ranks from car-washer to service manager. He took his career seriously and helped several Mercede Benz dealerships either start or improve their service departments.

He accumulated several awards and accolades during his career with Mercedes Benz. He came back to and retired from Tafel Motors. He was a wealth of knowledge and has trained many successful technicians over the years. In his later years he was co-owner of D&R Auto Sales and became a member of the Paoli Masonic Lodge #119.

Rip was one of the most loyal employees, friend, boss, or family member you could ever encounter. If you were a friend, you had a friend for life. He would be the first to offer his help and the last to ask for it.

He was preceded on death by his parents, his sisters Karen Sue Smith, Shelby Newkirk and Deborah Parks and brother Donald Parks.

He is survived by his wife, Valerie Sue Parks, his children Stacey Parks (Del Hauger) of Louisville, and Jason “Dutch Parks (Sara) of Paoli. The apples of his eyes were his grandsons Dean Parks (Alyx), Evan Marshall (Kayla) and Kyle Marshall, all of Paoli. Mason Hauger and Will Hauger of Louisville. Two great-grandchildren, Emmett Parks, and Amelia Marshall with another great-grandson on the way.

Two brothers, Donovan Parks and Mark Parks and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm on Friday, September 22, 2023 at Dillman-Scott Funeral Home, 226 W Campbell Street, Paoli, IN 47454.With Pastor Roger Dillman to officiate. Interment to follow at the Paoli Community Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 3 pm until 8 pm on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the funeral home and from 9 am until the time of service on Friday.

Masonic services will be held at 6 pm Thursday