Roger D. Parson, born Feb. 13, 1944, in Stewartsville, Mo., died Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011, in St. Joseph, Mo., after a severe stroke.
Although born the only child of James and Laverne Parson, Roger’s professional, personal and church family extended to thousands of lives touched through his 48 years in banking and business leadership, service organizations such as Kansas Jaycees and Rotary International and personal interest groups including the Chiefs, NASCAR and the Retractable Car Club where he enjoyed his 1958 Ford Retractable. His 1958 was special as it was the same model, year and color that he drove in high school when dating Carole. He was a lifelong member of Community of Christ where he served faithfully, but in addition to church whenever and wherever his gifts, talents and joyful spirit were needed they were given freely.
Roger’s passion for life and service was shared by his wife of 50 years, Carole Parson. In addition to Carole, Roger is survived by his two daughters, Dee Parson (Tyler) Grange, Raleigh, N.C., and Dana (Roy) Shipps, St. Joseph; and four grandchildren, Lanea (Jasen) Furst, Kimber Marlow, Chase Grange and Corwin Shipps.
Services are planned at Community of Christ, Abundant Life Center congregation in St. Joseph on Saturday at 1 p.m. with visitation following the service. Inurnment will be at a later date.
Memorials to Camp Farwesta, Peace Unlimited, Rotary International Foundation or Business Women in Missouri Scholarship Foundation may be sent in care of Bram-Turner Funeral Home, P.O. Box 350, Maysville, MO 64469. Online condolences may be sent to www.bram-turnerfuneralhome.com.
Roger Parson
