Donald Parsons

DON PARSONS Click here to view Don's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO -- Donald LaRoy Parsons, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away December 15, 2009, at his home. He was under the care of Aspen Hospice and Qualicare Hospice. He was born May 26, 1926, in Springfield, Idaho to Albert Parsons and Mabel Bedwell Parsons. He grew up and attended schools in the area, graduating from Aberdeen High School. He continued his education at a trade school in Kansas City, Missouri. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. On September 6, 1950, he married LaDene Colson in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He worked as an Electronics Technician at EG&G and also made and repaired fiddles. He was a lifetime member of the Idaho Old Time Fiddlers. Don was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was a High Priest in the 7th Ward. He had also served as a Scoutmaster in the Boy Scout Program. He enjoyed playing the fiddle, traveling, carpentry, gardening, and was an avid angler. Our Dad passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love and care. Dad loved music and is half the reason our family shares that love. He would pack his wife, his 7 kids, a piano and numerous other fiddles, guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc. into our van, load up the camper and head out to go “Fiddlin.” We had so many great times and learned so many lessons such as how to love, how to get along, how to get by with what you had, how to sing and how to share smiles. We will love and miss him every day. Survivors include: Wife: LaDene Parsons, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Donald A. Parsons, Bozeman, MT Daughter: JoAnne Christensen, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: DeeAnne (Robert Johnson) Bush, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Robert W. "Bill" Parsons, Boise, ID Son: Michael Allen (Linda Scheer) Parsons, Bozeman, MT Son: Jeffrey Dell ( Gale Phillips) Parsons, Nashville, TN Daughter: Kathy Anne Parsons, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Cori Murphy, Idaho Falls, ID Brother: Rod (Virginia) Parsons, Arco, ID Sister: Shannon (Dean) Bruderer, Arco, ID Sister: Margene (Glenn) Phillips, Arco, ID 5 Grandchildren: Thomas Paul Bush, Jayson Patrick Bush, Nichole Bush, Eric Wood, and Tessa Alexandra Egan. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 siblings: Stan, Gayle, Albert, and Sheldon; and his granddaughter, Shawnee Christensen. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, December 18, 2009, at Wood Funeral Home (273 N. Ridge) with Bishop Charles Johnson, of the Idaho Falls LDS 7th Ward, officiating. The family will visit with friends on Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. and on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the services, both at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Springfield Cemetery with military rites performed by the Blackfoot American Legion. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Dorothy Wells Mrs. Parsons, DeeAnn, JoAnn and family - I am truly sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is and especially during the holidays as that is when I lost my Dad. You are in my prayers and it is truly a happy day in Heaven for he is home again and his pain and suffering are no more. Please let me know if I can do anything for you. God Bless you all and know that you are in my heart. Love you, Dorothy W. Steve Hoffman hoffstev@isu.edu Dear Family, My name is Steve Hoffman. I had the privilege of working with Don out at EG&G back around 1985. Bill, I don't know if you remember me, but we went to O.E. Bell at the same time -- knew each other quite well. I just wanted to say that I would like to pay my respects to Don because he was one of the best supervisors I have ever worked with -- even till this day. I remember back then -- in the 80's, I was still running a bit wild and was still having my time trying to fit it with the work force. Don and I would always talk. I always knew that if I had an issue I could go to Don and he would always try to help, and understand, as much as possible. Don and I rode home a few times on the bus and he always talked about how proud he was of his kids and family. I think it was you, Bill, that was in a Blue Grass band and I remember we talked about you playing up at Jackson Hole -- if my memory serves me correctly. Anyway, as I said, I respected Don entirely as just a good person. Remember the good things about your Father, hold on to them. You will see him later! Condolences, Steve Hoffman, Pocatello, Idaho. Martin, Carla, Jason & Aaron idfewkes@msn.com LaDene, We are all sorry for your loss. For the time we knew Don, he was always a kind, gentle, and pleasant man. We will miss him. Kim Hanson hanson6414@msn.com Please accept my sympathies at Don's passing. I learned a great deal from him as my Scoutmaster. I will never forget his kindness and compassion on the banks of the lake at Treasure Mtn. Scout camp when I failed the swim test for the third time. I remember being in tears as I was the only one who couldn't swim very well. He told me there were more things more important than a swim test and that I was good at many other things and to stick to them. John L. Lewis grandpa.6@hotmail.com To LaDean and family: Please feel of our prayers and Love for your and your family. I did not know Don had been ill. I am so sorry for your loss. We have missed the last few reunions for one reason or another, so these things have slipped by us. It hard to find out about Don this way. If Lynda hadn't seen it in the paper, I would not have known. Don is no longer in pain and is not suffering any longer. He is having a reunion of his own now. What a joyous time he is having. Ruby is in Colorado with Tammie. I don't think she knows yet, but I'll call Susie and see if she can let her know. All our love and Sympathy John L and family Wayne L. Christensen chriwayn@isu.edu Although my involvement with Don was for only a short time, when I was not much good to anyone (let alone myself), I was accepted into his family, and I will always be thankful for this. When I chance upon some fiddling music, no matter where I am, memories flood back to me and my feet begin to twitch with the desire to dance and my heart sings and I look expectantly into faces around me in hopes I will see once familiar faces. Don was a wonderful man and I was lucky to have known him---even if it were for only a short time. Rob Amberson rob_amberson@yahoo.com All, Sorry to hear of Don's passing. He was always a good fellow with a good sense of humor, as you all know. Our prayers are with you, Rob and Karen Amberson Sanger, TX Mike and Linda Ward mjwfiddler@yahoo.com So sorry to loose our good friend. Love all those good times together and for the great friendships spanning all these long years. It is such a blessing to have known you all. Once during one of your dances mom didn't feel like dancing so i just held her hand and kept rhythm while Don sitting next to us was grinning with sweet understanding having been a good friend many years now. We love your video tribute, which was so fitting. May our great creator fill our souls with life's great fulfilling purpose and understanding that Don has fulfilled his mission here on this earth and is now embarking upon his new role in life's grand design. May our hearts be lightened just knowing we had the privilege of having had Don as our friend. We wish you all much love and many blessings, Mike and Linda Ward Fran Widener fdw2@citlink.net Please extend my most sincere condolences to Mrs. LaDene Parsons upon the death of her husband, Don Parsons. LaDene, I am thinking of you and your family with sadness, love, and good memories. Always, your friend, Fran Widener Caward