Charles I. Parks (Charlie), age 95 of Port Austin, Michigan passed away peacefully at Anthology of Rochester Hills, Michigan on September 23 ^rd , 2022 following a short illness.

He was born on June 12 ^th , 1927 in Port Austin, son of the late Edward and Harriet (Schubel) Parks.  He graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1945. During his senior year he was named a 1 ^st team All State Basketball Player.  Charlie was drafted into the United States Navy shortly thereafter and received training in San Diego, California. Due to the ending of WWII, Charlie was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned to Michigan. He attended Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1950. During his time at college, he joined Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and became friends with Loren Gettel of Pigeon. In the fall of 1948, Loren's younger sister Dorothy enrolled at MSU after which she and Charlie met. Charlie married the love of his life, Dorothy Gettel on June 30th, 1951.  Dorothy, his wife of 69 years, preceded him in death on September 1st, 2020.

After graduation from MSU, Charlie was employed by General Motors for 7 years at their Cadillac Division in the Detroit area. Charlie and Dorothy moved back to Port Austin in 1957 where he operated the family business Lakeside Motor Lodge. The family operated the business until it was sold in 2006, while he continued to operate the Parks Harbor View cottages, until they were sold in 2019.  In 1998 he developed Harbor Pointe Condominiums in Port Austin.

During his tenure as a Port Austin businessman, Charlie was very active in the community spearheading many improvements including development of a village master plan, raising funds and obtaining grants.   He was instrumental in updating Gallop Park including rebuilding of the baseball and little league fields, pavilion, tennis courts, and playground area. He was an active member and tireless volunteer with the building of Bird Creek Golf Course particularly in planning and organizing the landscaping. Charlie was involved in developing the Bird Creek Park Complex, overseeing building of the boardwalk, gazebo and playground with the assistance of labor and funds from the Port Austin Lions Club. He cofounded the annual Port Austin Bocce Ball tournament.  He worked with the Port Austin Historical Society regarding landscaping and building pedestrian pathways at the site.

Charlie was very passionate within the Port Austin community: Lions Club (65 years), Fire Department (45 years), Village Township Clerk (25 years), Township Board Treasurer (15 years), Village Council, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion (74 years), Bird Creek Golf Club member, St Michaels Church, and one of the founding members of the Port Austin Winter Carnival.  In addition, he was an avid member of the Huron County MSU Alumni Association and was recognized for his service in 2015.  He played for many years in the Huron County Baseball League, and was a Michigan State High School Basketball Referee for 15 years.

Charlie is lovingly remembered by his sons: David (Judy) Parks of Troy, Michigan, Douglas Parks of Sarasota, Florida.  His daughters: Barbara (Greg) Sugg of Troy, Michigan and Julie (Bill) Parks-Boyle of Huntington Woods, Michigan. His grandchildren: Charles Parks and Lyle Parks, Jason (Katie) Sugg, Ryan (Vanessa) Sugg and Dylan Sugg, Conor (Kelsey) Boyle and Lauren Boyle.  His great grandchildren: Hudson and Caroline Sugg, Cora Parks and Adriana Sugg. Charlie was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Parks and sister Genevieve Schmidt.  A special thanks to Charlie's care givers, Veniece Mosley and Kendra Leitch for their years of friendship, support and comfort.

Per Charlie's request, cremation has taken place.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 22 ^nd 2022 at 11:30 am at the Ascension of the Lord Parish-St Michael's Catholic Church in Port Austin where Father Craig Carolan will be officiating.  A private burial will be in the church cemetery.  Visitation will be held on October 22 ^nd at St Michael's Church from 10:00 am – 11:30 am before the Mass.  A luncheon will follow.  To offer condolences to the family, visit knoblockfuneralhome.com .

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Port Austin Lions Club or The Port Austin Historical Society.