Sherman A. Parks, Sr. was born in May 15, 1924 in Topeka, Kansas. He graduated from Topeka High School and then attended Washburn University, graduating in 1949. In 1955, Parks graduated from Washburn Law School; he was awarded a juris doctorate from that school in 1970.

Parks was in private practice as a lawyer until he was appointed Shawnee County's assistant county attorney, 1961-66; he then became an attorney for the State Alcoholic Beverages Control Agency until 1968. From 1968 to 1971, Parks served as an assistant attorney general, and from 1971 to 1976 he served as counsel for the Secretary of State.

In 1977, Parks was appointed to the Kansas State Court of Appeals, becoming the first African American appointed to an appellate judgeship in the state. He was reelected to the position in 1980 and 1984 and retired in 1987.

Parks was also highly active in the Topeka community. He remained active at his alma mater, Washburn, by serving on the Board of Governors of the Law School Association, lecturing at the Law School, and serving on the University's Board of Trustees. In serving as both a member and chair, Parks became the first African American appointed to the Washburn Board of Regents from 1968-1976. He was also the first African American to serve on the Selective Service Board of Kansas (1967-1976). Parks also served on the board of the Topeka YMCA and as president of the Topeka Council of the PTA. In June 1949, Parks married Alberta L. Lewis; the couple had one son, Sherman A. Parks, Jr. Sherman A. Parks, Sr. died April 8, 1996.