Ryan Andrew Parks, 35, of 177 Old Forge Road, passed away Saturday, July 10, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Ryan was born Jan. 14, 1969, in Herkimer, the son of Phillip and Merry Ann (Thompson) Parks. Ryan was a 1987 graduate of Herkimer High School and a 1989 graduate of Herkimer County Community College, with a degree in criminal justice. On Nov. 22, 2003, Ryan was united in marriage to the former Leigh Ann Bennett. Ryan was a police officer in Ilion for the past 10 years and was a member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer. Ryan was a DARE officer in Dolgeville, a member of the Ilion PBA. He was an avid boater, camper, snowmobiler and outdoorsman. He enjoyed auto racing, especially the Indy 500, which he attended several times. He was active in catering dinners and fund-raisers at the Ilion Elks and participated in the Relay for Life. Ryan loved and adored his family, especially his children. Ryan is survived by his loving wife, Leigh Ann of Ilion; his mother and stepfather, Merry Ann and Larry Wright of Mohawk; his father, Phillip Parks of Herkimer; his son, Brandon Parks and his daughter, Brianna Parks, both of Herkimer; a brother, P. Meade Parks and his wife Collette of Silverthorn, Colo.; two stepbrothers, David L. Wright and his wife Suzette of Ilion and Daniel Wright of Mohawk; two sisters-in-law, Brooke and Nicole Bennett of Ilion; his mother-in-law, Cherri Hyer; his former wife and her husband, Sharon and Ron Edwards of Herkimer; as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins, especially his uncle Don who was his inspiration for becoming a police officer. Ryan also leaves a multitude of friends and all his brothers in blue. Funeral services for Ryan will be held on Wednesday, July 14, 2004, under the direction of Scott Hendrix and John Day at a time to be announced, with Father Paul Bailey and Father Walter Collins officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday from 3-7 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home between Ilion and Frankfort. Local police agencies will gather at 6 p.m. at the funeral home to pay their respects. Friends are asked to consider memorial donations to the Ryan A. Parks Trust Fund being established for his children. Arrangements are made by the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home, 100 Otsego St. in Ilion. For directions to the Funeral Home, click the link above.