Matthew Daniel Parks, 20, of Valparaiso passed away, Saturday, November 26, 2011.  He was born May 1, 1991 at Munster Community Hospital, attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School in Whiting, and Valparaiso High School.  Matt played sports all his life, baseball being his favorite.  Matt had been a proud member of Team Corral at Corral's Martial Arts academy; being naturally gifted, mixed martial arts became his greatest passion.  He loved to volunteer at Little Sisters of the Poor in Chicago; all the elderly ladies cherished his red hair, and taunted him by saying they wished they could find his color in a bottle.  Matt shined in the company of kids – they all instantly fell in love with him.  Matt loved to wrestle on the ground with his brother, Zac, and was extremely proud to be Zac’s big brother! He loved playing and rolling on the floor with his dog, Molly.  And he always loved giving his mom hugs...
From the day he was born, he stole the hearts of his Mamaw and Papa. He was their first grandchild, and from the day he was born, he carried the Prince Pass. He was Papa’s “Bubba,” and not only was Papa his grandpa, he was like a dad to Matt. The bond they had was impenetrable! Matt loved hanging out with his friends and having a good time. He passionately enjoyed making people laugh, and he was good at it. His beautiful smile was infectious! Matt will be missed by countless people, all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was a loving, caring, generous person that affected many lives. May you Rest in Peace, My dear son…loving you always!  Matt is survived by his mother, Doreen Parks; brother, Zachary Willis; grandparents, Robert (Papa) and Darlene (Mamaw) Planer Jr. all of Valparaiso; great-grandparents, Robert (Betty) Planer, Sr.; aunt, Tanya Planer; uncle, Robert (Lucy) Planer, III; Godfather, Rodney Tufo; Godmother, Jill Chapin; girlfriend, Kaitlyn Baugh, and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. 
A funeral service for Matt will be held Saturday, December 3rd, 10:00 a.m. with cremation to follow at the Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Road, Valparaiso.  Visitation for Matt will be held Friday, December 2nd, 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.