Dave Parks

A Celebration of a Life Well Lived: Dave Parks
It is our humble privilege to share the passing of Dave Parks and to invite you to join us in celebrating a life devoted to his family, his friends, and the community of Lincoln County, New Mexico. Dave passed away peacefully in Capitan, NM, surrounded by family on October 25, 2025, at the age of 92.

Born a Warrior: A True Son of Ruidoso
Dave was born on July 28, 1933, in Alamogordo, NM-only because Ruidoso didn't have a hospital at the time. He was a true son of Ruidoso, growing up in the upper canyon where his mother, Annella "Nell" Crain Parks, owned and managed cabins; her Parks Pine Place lower camp is the original location for what is now Whispering Pines.

A true sports enthusiast, Dave was a member of the first high school classes at Ruidoso High and a part of the school's first state championship football team in 1950. Legend has it that he and his teammates rallied hard through a penny campaign to ensure the mascot was the Warriors, not the Snowflakes! After high school, he played quarterback for New Mexico Western College in Silver City, New Mexico.

He was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan who loved skiing and golf, often sharing these activities with his children and their friends. A highlight of his later years was shooting his age (75) in golf from the blue tees.

A Career of Service and Entrepreneurship
While home on summer break from college, Dave met his future bride, Lillah Jane. Together, they graduated with teaching degrees and returned to Ruidoso to begin their life and family. Dave soon left teaching and coaching to enter the world of insurance and real estate, working under Dan Swearingin until he and a partner purchased the business and renamed it Perteet-Parks. His dedication to his profession led him to serve as president for the Independent Insurance Agents of NM from 1981 to 1982.

His commitment to his community was evident throughout his life. As soon as he was of age, he joined the Ruidoso Volunteer Fire Department. He dedicated years to the youth of the area, serving on the Ruidoso School Board from 1962 to 1983. Later, he served a term as Lincoln County Commissioner (2007-2011), was a member of the Lincoln County Hospital Foundation Board and served on the Community Methodist Church board for many years.

For over five decades, the voice of Dave Parks became an annual tradition as the beloved narrator for the "Billy the Kid Pageant" in Lincoln, a role he dearly loved and performed from the late 1960s through 2022. He always closed the show by saying, "Drive safe on your way home because the life you may save just might be mine."

Family and Legacy
Dave was preceded in death by his wife, Lillah Jane Parks, and his mother, Nell Parks. He is survived by his children, Collier & Robin Parks, Lesah Silva, Steven & Cheryl Parks, and Kaylah Parks Glasgow. His legacy continues through his twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to everyone who helped care for him in the past few weeks.

Celebration of Life Details:

Please join us to celebrate Dave's life on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 11:00 am at Community Methodist Church, 200 Church Dr, Ruidoso, NM 88345.

A lunch reception will follow immediately at The Warehouse, across the street from the church. We encourage you to bring your best stories to share about Dave at this time.

In honor of Dave, let us always remember: "It's Great to be a Warrior!"

Flowers are welcome, or you may choose to donate to a food bank of your preference.

If you are unable to attend and would like to watch the memorial, here are two links you may use:

https://communitymethodist.church/media

https://www.youtube.com/@ruidosocommunityunitedmeth5537/streams

We will start the live-stream entitled "Parks Memorial Service on Saturday at 10:50-10:55 before the service begins.