Frank H "Bert" Parke Jr

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Aug 12th, 2015

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Death Date: Aug 12, 2015

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Biography: Frank H. ?Bert? Parke Jr. died August 12, 2015. Bert was born February 6, 1930 in Little Rock, Arkansas, the son of the late Frank H. Parke and Emily Crawford Parke. He graduated from Little Rock High School in 1948, where he was a member of P.I.E. Fraternity and an Eagle Scout. He then attended Vanderbilt University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. After graduating in 1952, he served in the United States Air Force for two years before returning to Little Rock in 1954 to join the family business, Democrat Printing & Lithographing Company. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Miriam Parke Balding. He is survived by his wife, Ann Blair Adams Parke, his children and their spouses, Frank H. Parke III and Paula, Emily Parke Stevens and Tim, and John Blair Parke and Susan; his grandchildren, Mary Katherine Parke Hastings and Andrew, Logan Adams Parke, Margaret Parke Staley and Jay, Blair Gambill Parke, and Romney Alison Stevens; and his great-grandchildren, Charles Hardin Hastings and Ellen Blair Hastings. Throughout his career at DP&L, he successfully guided the business through several technological innovations and industrial changes, while maintaining an unparalleled dedication to leadership in corporate philanthropy. He was the Executive Vice President, Corporate Secretary, and President before becoming Chairman of the Board, a position he held until his death. Bert also served on the boards of a number of organizations, including Worthen National Bank, Boatmen?s Bank, Associated Industries of Arkansas, United Insurance Company Limited, and The National School Supply and Equipment Association. He was a member of both The Printing Industries of America and The Printing Industry Association of the South, with the latter honoring him with its ?Man of the Year? award. Beyond business, he served as the President of the Country Club of Little Rock, co-chaired the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra?s first Opus Ball with his wife, and was named an Honorary Lifetime Commissioner of the MacArthur Museum of Military History. Bert was a life-long member of Christ Episcopal Church whose years of dedicated service to the church and the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas helped to grow the church?s mission and membership throughout the state. He was a member of the Christ Church Vestry for many years, serving multiple terms as its Senior Warden. He was also named to the Diocese of Arkansas Board and Executive Council and attended four General Conventions of the Episcopal Church in America. Despite these numerous accomplishments and interests, Bert may be most recognized for his contributions to baseball in Central Arkansas. As a child, he developed a love of the game that was embodied in a childlike zeal he carried throughout a lifetime of experiences in baseball. He was part of the small group who fought to keep baseball in Little Rock in the 1960?s by turning the Travelers into the nation?s only community-owned professional baseball team. He then joined the Board and served as Treasurer through the 1970?s before being elected President of the club in 1980. He served as President for 30 years until he became President Emeritus in 2010. In the Summer of 2015, he was honored for this work by being elected into the Texas League Hall of Fame. Beyond all of his accomplishments, he will be remembered for his love of life, enthusiasm for travel, and great generosity of spirit. The family will be receiving friends on Friday August 14, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Ruebel Funeral Home. The funeral service will be at 2:00 PM Saturday Aug 15th, 2015 at Christ Episcopal Church followed by internment at Roselawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72201, in his memory. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com

Condolences(27)

Bettye Bransford

#27

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Bert was so good to me after Lee died . Every now and I would look up to see him coming in the driveway.His short visits weant so munch to me . rt was so good to me. Every

Holt McConnell

#26

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Your father will be sorely missed by mom and myself. Let us know if we can help out in any way

Leon Satterfield

#25

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so sorry to hear of Berts passing he was a friend and such a joy to work with.

Mary Wallace

#24

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

As we get older we lose a lot of friends. Well with Bert Parkes passing I have lost a very dear friend of many years. May God comfort your hearts: Ann Blair, Frank, Emily, John and grand children.
With love and prayers for all of you from Texas .
Mary and Darrell Wallace

Angela Anthony

#23

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Bert will be missed greatly by his family but this brilliant, kind, man came into my life at South Shore in Hot Springs. I will always remember his infectious smile and fatherly hugs.

Don and Peggy McDaniel

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

From Peggy: My family first met Mr. Parke at a Traveler's game at the old ballpark right after Don was hired in 1999. Mr. Bert came over to our seats and introduced himself. He asked about our young family and made us feel so comfortable. He made us feel very much welcome to the DP&L family. Every time our family attended an event, he was warm, friendly and welcoming. We attended the game at Dickey Stevens where he was honored for his long service to the Traveler's Organization. The whole family made us feel welcome. The last time I spoke with Mr. Bert was at Don Smith's (husband of Sharon Smith) funeral. I must say that Mr. Bert was one of the warmest, kindest men I have ever met. He always greeted us with a smile and made us feel he was genuinely glad to spend time with us. My impression of Mr. Bert was that he was a warm, kind, accepting person. I'm thankful to have met him. My husband, Don will miss his roommate for years to come.
Our thoughts are with the Parke family through this difficult time

Mary Dee (Terry) Taylor

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

To Ann Blair and all your family -- the world has lost a special man and I know he meant the world to you. Bert was always kind and generous to me when I needed a small favor or a bit of information. But, of course, I wasn't getting special attention, that was the way Bert treated everyone. My sincere condolences; you will be in my thoughts and prayers this weekend.

Jane Spurling

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am so very sad to learn of Bert's passing. What a great man! My association with Bert is through United Insurance Co. in Bermuda.
He was also a Razorback fan and so am I. My Dad attended the University of Arkansas and was from Arkansas. All who have connection to Arkansas have a very special bond! My heart goes out to Ann Blair and the family. Rick joins me in sending our sincere
condolences.
With sincere sympathy and love,
Jane Spurling

Stephan McAteer

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Our condolences during this time of loss. Bert had served on our museum board since 2004 and was made a Lifetime Honorary Commissioner in 2013. I will always think of him when I see that huge 1890 flag that Bert gave us a couple of years ago.

Steve Jones

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Thanks for the job
Always felt comfortable to Bert
Will miss him
Prayers to the family

Tricia Greene Turner

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John - I did not have the opportunity to know your father, but I know that he was a great man because he raised such a wonderful son.

My condolences to you and the rest of your family. May your many good memories comfort you all.

Gina Guess-Welsh

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My condolences go out to the Parke family.Bert was such a good man who I enjoyed working for back in the late nineties. He was always so kind and good to his employees. He will be greatly missed!

Sharon Smith

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

There was no stopping Mr. Bert. While in his 80's, he amazed all of us by coming into the office each day. He would barely get through the front door and it was always "Good Morning". He loved to talk to all the employees. The office next to me is now empty of a person, but not empty of the memories he left behind. So Bert, fly high on angel wings and walk through those streets of gold and enjoy the place where roses never fade. To the entire Parke family, I extend my deepest condolences.

Barbara Kordsmeier

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I am sorry. He was always had a sweet smile on his face. Sending hugs and prayers to the Parke family.

David McGuire

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sympathy to the family. My brother Chuck and I did business with Bert for many years. Wonderful man with a big heart. Rest in peace.

David

SHERRI L HALLIBURTON

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Lord, please give me strength and encouraging words to say about Mr. Parke and to the family. First of all, I would like to say that Mr. Parke left a legacy in everyone's heart that he met. You can say that I was his caregiver at work. very afternoon around 3pm, I would help Mr. Parke walk out to his car. I would walk him down the ramp to his car, and make sure that he got in safely. Then I would walk back to the office, stand in the door to make sure that he left the parking lot safely, too. He had a bad tendency of backing his car all the way out before taking off. I am so thankful that he did not hit anyone or anything. Plus I had banned him from the airport. Some days, he couldn't get up, and I would say a prayer to him and sing one of my gospel songs to him. He didn't know the song, but love the lyrics in the song. After a while, he would rock and roll in his chair, and help himself up out of the chair. His cane and red bag that he had every day I would hold. He would get up and tell Don and Sharon or whoever else was there in the office, bye. As we will be walking out, we would talk and I would listen. He would be curious about what Ms. Parke would cook him for dinner. He would tell me about his daughter, Emily and how she would brag about her weather in Minnesota. He would talk about Frank's and John's goings and comings and that I would say a prayer for them. He would brag on his grandson Logan, saying that he will be an excellent lawyer in the court. He would speak about his other three grand daughters and their successes. His great grandchildren, Charlie and Ellen. He said that Charlie was a character, and Ellen was too small for him to hold. When he got back from lunch, he would ride his scooter in the plant, and visit with other employees. Some days, I would find him asleep by the presses, and had to wake him up to tell him that it was time for him to go. One day, he was trying to race me with his scooter while I was on the forklift. But of course, I let him win though. We would have luncheons, and I would be the last person to show up, and he waited on me to fix his plate for some reasons. And the other ladies in the office would be jealous of me. I just told them that I was his favorite girl under Ms. Parke. But I was so glad that I was able to take his last walk with him out of the door on Tuesday, August 11th. That memory will be with me always, and I am so glad of that. He would tell me that I will see you in the morning, and I would say," Lord Bless." Now, you are not taking my hand anymore. You are working with the Lord. I am so that you are not suffering anymore. We all miss you, and we all love you. You were a husband, father, grandfather, and a friend to everyone that you met. And we love you for that. Mr. Parke, take care and just know that you were loved. Love your friend for life, Sherri L. Halliburton

Craig Rains

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

What a great life he lived. I learned so much from Bert ... in business, church, family, community involvement ... and, of course, baseball. Very appropriate that his obituary photo was taken at the ballpark. Great memories. Parke family, you are all in my prayers.

Vada Reynolds

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John and Susan, I will be out of town this weekend and will not be able to attend the funeral. Just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you. It's hard to lose your father but I know you have many good memories that will keep you smiling. Love and hugs to you both. Vada

Charles and Donna York

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sorry for your loss. I was always amazed whenever I went into Bert's office for something and he always knew right where it was in that big pile of "Organized Clutter" on his desk.
Donna

roswitha beene

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Sorry for your loss papa Bert we miss you very much rest in peace

Brad Sherman

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry to hear of Bert's passing. My sincere condolences to the Parke family. You all are in my thoughts.

Andrew C. Pritt

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Mr. Bert and I became buddies during coffee hour at Christ Episcopal. I looked for him and even skipped Sunday School to hang out and talk about the railroad, baseball, and General Convention memories of which we both shared. Coffee hour will seem somehow more lonely without you now. Thanks for making me feel welcome and one day I will see you in Heaven again and we can share some cake and coffee and talk about trains and baseball.

Martha & Roddy McCaskill

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

John, I am so sorry to read of your Dad's death. Our prayers will be with you and all of your family. What a wonderful legacy and so many cherished memories. Our love to you

Iboo Miller

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So, so many fond memories of Bert over the years! What a wonderfully, entertaining man with a heart of gold. Everyone who knew Bert was simply more blessed for being in his kind presence. Ann Blair, John, Emily and Frank . . . What a profound loss. He was simply amazing! I know he was welcomed at the pearly gates by so many with open arms! Until we all meet again!! 💜

John Hathaway

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Pam and I will be traveling this weekend and will miss all the chances to hug your neck. Please know we are thinking of the family and remembering Bert fondly. May the bitterness of your loss be replaced swiftly by the sweetness of your memories. Peace!

sarah jane smith

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Bert lived across Cantrell Rd from our family when I was growing up. He was such a nice guy and good friend to all my family. I loved his parents too

Jane Lee Wolfe

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Hard to believe, sort of. Burt seemed kind of immortal. well, i'll pray him a great time in heaven and pray all of you surviving much love and joy in memories and going forward. hard to be sad god has called such a great guy back to go, but we'll join him soon, and that's great. love to all the family. Miss you. Jane

Frank H "Bert" Parke Jr

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