If you’ve ever had the privilege of sitting in Mr. Robert Parks’ classroom, you know what it means to be truly inspired by a teacher. Mr. Parks dedicated 38 years to teaching history, mentoring thousands of students with passion, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. He preserved memories of each and every one of us — photo albums and journals chronicling decades of students who meant the world to him. Now it’s our turn to show up for him.

Over the past 10 months, Mr. Parks has endured a series of devastating events that would break even the strongest among us:

In October, he lost his beloved wife, Duellen — a heartbreaking beginning to a downward spiral of unimaginable hardship.

A hip replacement followed, leading to painful complications and a stalled recovery.

Before he could heal, he lost his younger brother Brent.

Then came a mystery brain injury from an unexplained fall, resulting in a cracked skull and two weeks of hospitalization.

Finally cleared for surgery, he was struck again — this time with a 70% blocked artery, requiring emergency stent placement and postponement of the much-needed hip operation.

And on top of the medical issues he has been facing, disaster quite literally burst through his home when plumbing failure flooded his home destroying much of his beloved personal library and furniture.

Despite everything, Mr. Parks continues to persevere with grace, courage, and humility. But now, he needs our help.

Why We’re Raising Funds

The costs associated with the flooding, repairs, replacement of destroyed furniture and bookcases, ServPro cleanup, and medical expenses have become overwhelming. On top of it all, Mr. Parks is preparing for another hip replacement on August 20 — the second in less than a year — while still living in a home under repair and without the physical ability to restore it alone.

All donations will go toward:

Home restoration and repair

Replacement of furniture, bookcases, and household essentials

Support during medical recovery

Any unmet medical or insurance-related expenses

How You Can Help

If Mr. Parks ever made an impact on your life — as a teacher, a mentor, a friend, or just someone whose resilience inspires you — now is the time to give back. No donation is too small. If you can’t contribute financially, sharing this page and spreading the word would mean the world.

Let’s rally around someone who gave us so much of himself. Let’s remind him that his story is not only one of loss — but of a community that refuses to let him face it alone.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for reading, caring, and supporting Mr. Parks in his hour of need.

#SupportMrParks #HelpAHistoryHero #Teacherappreciation