Parks, Chad Gregory

Chad Gregory Parks, 29, of Cedar Rapids, entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, June 23, 2012, after giving it his all with his battle against esophageal cancer.

Chad (aka Chewy) was born in Shawnee Mission, Kan., on Oct. 11, 1982, to Cindy Hamilton and Gregory Parks. He will always cherish the relationship with his sister, Chrissy (Parks) Blanchett.

He attended Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School where he was known to have a charismatic personality and his ability to make others laugh. He developed his skills in ministry at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind., alongside his friend, Jordan Muck. He met his bride-to-be, Cindy (Nelson) Parks at Calvary Baptist Church and was later united in marriage on Nov. 18, 2006.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Cindy (aka Sis) of five amazing years. God blessed him with three beautiful “girlies,” Lily (aka Lil) age 4, Caylee (aka CayCay) age 3, and Alli (aka MaeMae) age 2. He was a Godly man who loved his wife and girls dearly and had an unbreakable faith.

At an early age, he developed a servant's heart for the Lord which fueled his passion to bring youth to Christ through his love of music, desire to lead, along with his unconditional love for the Body of Christ. He was previously employed at Chick-fil-A and Zimmerman Ford, where he built many friendships. He most recently worked alongside his friend/owner Jack Lindstrom at Lexington Motors, where they not only sold cars together but shared a desire to show the love of Christ to others.

Chad is survived by his parents, Cindy Hamilton and Gregory Parks; his sister, Chrissy (Steven) Blanchett; and his maternal grandparents, George and Joyce Bulen all of Cedar Rapids.

He is also survived by his close and devoted friend, Ryan Hale, who stood by him throughout his life and had a bond no others could break. In addition, Chad is survived by several loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and a multitude of friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Linda Parks; and his uncle, Geoff Parks.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A visitation will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at Calvary Baptist Church in Cedar Rapids. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church.

A special thank you for all the donations, prayers and support shown toward Chad in his time of need. No matter what challenge God placed in his path, he lived out his uncompromised faith till the end. He always strove to live by his favorite passage, Ephesians 5:1-2, “Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Chad's goal and purpose in life was always for each and every one of you to know and love the Lord. All glory to God! Amen.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be sent to under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette June 26, 2012.