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David Parsons Obituary
Funeral services for David Leon Parsons, 82, Lawrence, KS, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, August 13, 2012 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Lawrence. Burial will follow at Eudora Cemetery in Eudora, KS. He died on Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
David was born on April 13, 1930 in Vandalia, MO the third son of Ray and Lela Boulden Parsons.
He served in the United States Air Force as a signal man from 1951 to 1953, with most of that service in London, England. Upon returning to the states, he married Merrill Knapp on December 25, 1955 in Warrenton, MO. She preceded him in death on December 6, 1984. They shared 29 years of marriage and raised four children, Maureen (Clete) Wiederholt, Baldwin City, KS, William Parsons, Salt Lake City, UT, Kathleen (Neil) Wright, Lawrence, KS, and Christine (Chris) Hamman, Wichita, KS.
David married Virginia Kauffman on February 15, 1987 and he became the loving stepfather to four daughters, Cindy (Steve) Hovik, Gold Canyon, AZ, Nancy (Dick) Powell, Casa Grande, AZ, Danette (Richard) Hayes, Buffalo Grove, IL, Carmela (John) Shepard, Higley, AZ. Dave and Virginia shared 25 years of marriage and she survives of the home. He was also survived by 15 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two sisters, Helen (Gordon) Polston, Warrenton, MO and Edna Carver, Independence, MO. He was also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Kenneth Parsons and Eugene Parsons; and a sister, Mary Ellen Parsons.
He was employed by Montgomery Ward as a salesperson for over 30 years.
He was an avid gardener and apprenticed as a watchmaker in 1966 with his best friend, Paul Squires. He enjoyed golfing and swimming. He was a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels, and with his wife, Virginia, started Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry in 1995.
The family will greet friends on Sunday from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at the Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence.
The family suggests memorials in his name to the Trinity Interfaith Food Pantry and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com.
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Parsons
Terry Jacobsen
August 15, 2012
I worked for Dave at Montgomery Wards as a 16 year old kid. He was my first boss and what a gentle man he was. He was a strong mentor and a very fatherly man who was patient and kind. I have considered him a friend for the past 36 years and am grateful to have known him.
August 13, 2012
Very sorry to hear about Mr. Parsons. He always had a smile. Our condolence's go out to your family.
Rusty Bruns
August 11, 2012
Dear Parsons Family,
So sorry to read about Dave. I'll always remember what great neighbors you were and what good friends our kids were.
Billie Laughlin
Brandon, FL
Steve Figuieras
August 9, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Dave Parsons. I met Dave at Montgomery Wards here in Lawrence. I always looked forward to working with him, his smile was so warm. His kindness and big heart was a real pleasure to be around. When ever I would run into him in Lawrence it was always like old home week. What a great guy. Many blessing to his family.
Matt Klopp
August 8, 2012
Dave was my boss in the paint and hardware departments at Mongomery Wards in 1980. It is strange; I was just visiting with another co-worker from Wards about Dave a few days ago. He was a patient, fair man as a boss. My condolences to the family.
Le-Thu
August 8, 2012
Dear Virginia & Parsons family,
I am sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Dave will always be remembered as a gentle and caring person. He always had wonderful things to say about his family.
I always enjoyed seeing Dave when I would come to visit my father, Ed.
I hope in time the fond memories you hold close to your heart of Dave will help you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
Maria Gibson-Erazmus
August 8, 2012
Dave was my father (Ed Erazmus') roommate at Brandon Woods. He was a perfect roommate for dad. Just this past Saturday when I was there Dave was watching the Olympics with my dad. A nurse moved the curtain and blocked Dave's view from the TV. I don't think she realized Dave was watching it. I immediatly moved it back. Dave will be very missed by all of the Erazmus'. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Parsons family.
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