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In memory of

Boyd Parsons, Sr.

of Milesville, South Dakota, died on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 81

Boyd Leroy Parsons was born March 4, 1930, in Milesville, South Dakota, the son of Bill and Helen (Elshere) Parsons. He was raised in Milesville and graduated from Philip High School in 1949. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and had an honorable discharge in 1955.
Boyd married Joanne Hanrahan March 13th, 1953, and to this union were born three children, Boyd, Jr., Sheryl and Byron. They started their life together in Colorado Springs, Colorado, moved around to various locations, and eventually moved back to Milesville in 1962 to ranch. They moved to Rapid City in 1994 to reside, but he continued to farm and ranch with the boys until his death.
Boyd was a director on the board for the American State Bank in Pierre for a number of years and served as an active member on numerous county and church committees. He took pride in his work, fortunate for his friends, and most proud of his family.
Survivors include his wife Joanne; his children Boyd Jr. (Kara) of Milesville; Sheryl (Jesse) Hansen of Philip, and Byron (Peggy) Parsons of Milesville. He is also survived by his grandchildren Molly (Robbie) Lytle, Brady (Julie) Hansen, Wade (Marcy) Parsons, Andrea (Dustin) Rische, Alyssa DeJong, Micah Hansen, Brennen (Joni) Parsons, Kayla (Eric) Bastian, and 13 great-grandchildren; his siblings Dean (Mary Ann) Parsons of Philip, Doris (Kenneth) Berry of Philip, Bart (Janice) Parsons of Milesville, Mary Slovek of Custer, Billie (Connie) Parsons of Milesville, Leah (Jim) Waddell of Sahuarita, AZ.
Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Helen.
Visitation was held 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 18, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the hall on Friday.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 19, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Private family interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.


Open the Memorial Folder

Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, August 18, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, 
Funeral services: 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 19, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, Private Family Interment: Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

  • Our greatest sympathies to all of Boyd's family in the passing of this wonderful man. What an absolute joy he was to be around.
    Thank you for sharing him with us at the hospital during these last months. What a fine example of how to live a postive, encouraging life he was!
    Our sympathies, thoughts and prayers with all Boyd's precious family and especially with this double passing Parsons...nice to imagine them in the glory of Jesus together.
     ~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams Philip (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne, our deepest sympathy to you and all of Boyd's family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Lloyd and Rosi Royer 1076 Windsor Ct Waukee IA 50263 (8/16/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers to all of you!

    Gods Blessings,
    Jake,April, Riley & Tara     ~ April Schofield Philip, SD (8/16/2011)
  • So sorry for your loss !! It's hard to lose a parent but even harder to see them suffer !! He's in no more pain !! Our thoughts & prayers are with you !! ~ Susan & Jack Heinz Philip (8/16/2011)
  • Our sympathy to all of you in the loss of Boyd. It has been a hard road for him and you. We hope you have many happy memories of Boyd to remember in the days and weeks to come. If there is anything we can do, please ask. We will be thinking of you. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville, SD (8/16/2011)
  • Dear Joanne and family: We are so sorry about your loss. We have been praying for Uncle Boyd, and learned today that God has taken him home. We will pray for your comfort, and that God will give you peace greater than understanding. ~ Mike and Melody Parsons Rapid City, SD (8/16/2011)
  • Dear Joanne and Family: We are so sorry to hear about your loss. We have been praying for Uncle Boyd, and learned this morning that God has taken him home. We will pray for your comfort, and that God will give you peace greater than understanding.

    Mike, Melody, Bailey, Carter, and Landon     ~ Mike and Melody Parsons Rapid City, SD (8/16/2011)
  • What a shock to read of Boyd's passing. We had such a pleasant visit in June with Boyd, he wasn't all that excited about being in the nursing home but yet he sure didn't complain. What a tremendous friend he and you Joanne were to my folks and many others especially those in Milesville. What a loss to the community but yet what a blessing that he is free of all his health issues. May you find peace and comfort in your many wonderful memories of Boyd. ~ Tom and Jane Aasby Rapid City (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne, sorry to hear of Uncle Boyd's passing. Our thouhts and prayers are with you. Terry, Tom and Jessica ~ Terry Frawley Plymouth Minnesota (8/16/2011)
  • Dear Joanne and family: So sorry to hear of Boyd's passing. He was such a great guy, it's hard to believe that he's gone to heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. God Bless. ~ Don & Jolene Haynes Philip (8/16/2011)
  • Deepest sympathy to all of Boyd's family. Having known Boyd ever since high school it will seem strange not to see him around when we return to Philip. He always had a friendly greeting and a big smile. He will be missed by all who knew him. Prayers to all of you during this hard time. Sincerely Bev and Cork ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (8/16/2011)
  • Sheryl, Jesse & Families
    We are thinking of you in your time of grief. Although we are never ready to loose those we love, have comfort in the fact he's no longer sick and he's able to sit on that big front porch free of bugs and mosquitos and looking at all the beauty around.
    In your days of grief, remember the memories and let that put a smile on your face and a comfort in your heart!
    Love you bunches and sending big hugs your way!
    Love ya,
    David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas     ~ Michelle Butler Philip SD (8/16/2011)
  • Dear Joanne and family, I am very sorry to hear about Uncle Boyd. He will be missed by family and friends. May God give you peace and comfort.

    Bryce     ~ Bryce Waddell Sahuarita AZ (8/16/2011)
  • Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this sad time. ~ Mike and Shar Moses Philip (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne,Sheryl & Jesse & families,

    We were so saddened to hear of Boyd's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all. We wish you peace at this time of sorrow.
    Nicki, Wes & James     ~ Nicole Nelson Midland (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in your loss. Boyd was a good neighbor and friend and will be missed by all. God's blessing and comfort to you all. ~ Virgil & Carla Smith Milesville, SD (8/16/2011)
  • To the Parsons Families:
    You are in our thoughts and prayers. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time.     ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City SD (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May your memories be of comfort to you in the days ahead. ~ Lawrence & Ronda Schofield Midland, SD (8/16/2011)
  • We want to express our condolences to Byron and Peg and all the families. You are in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless. ~ Randy and Kelly Weischedel Rapid City SD (8/16/2011)
  • To the Parsons Families: We are so sorry to hear about Boyd Sr. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you at this time of sorrow. God bless you all. ~ Roger and Sandy Gillespie Whitewood,SD (8/16/2011)
  • Joann & family,
    With my deepest sympathy..my thoughts & prayers are with all of you. Bea     ~ Bea Williams Missoula, Mt. (8/16/2011)
  • We cannot tell you how sorry we were to hear about Boyd. We were saddened by the news. He was always such a kind and patient man!!! May your memories get you thru the next few days. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you all. ~ Don and Wanda Moses Fairmont Ne (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne and family.
    So sorry to hear of Uncle Boyd's passing. He was a wonderful caring man and was gracious to everyone. He has left behind a great legacy and will deeply missed.     ~ Patricia (Waddell) Tschetter Sun City West , AZ (8/16/2011)
  • Our sympathy on your loss! Another great rancher has passed and may we all have learned from his knoweledge! ~ Tom and Shelia Trask Wasta SD (8/16/2011)
  • Dear Joanne, I am so sorry to read of Boyd's passing. I met him just a couple of times but knew he was a great guy. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. ~ Cathy Robeson cass@rushmore.com (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne and Family,
    We are saddened to here of Boyd's passing. He will be missed by everyone here at Main Street Deadwood Gulch. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you.
    Sincerely, Karen Hickson, G.M. and all the employees     ~ Main Street Deadwood Gulch 560 Main Street Deadwood SD 57732 (8/16/2011)
  • So sorry to hear of Boyd's passing. I've known him forever, went to school with him. The Parson's family were close friends of the William's family. We send our love and prayers for comfort in the coming days. ~ Arlie and Mae Gades Holloway, Mn (8/16/2011)
  • We are so sorry to hear of Boyd's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
     ~ Gene and Audrey Jones Midland (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne and family: I was sorry to hear of Boyds passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Blessings. Elaine ~ Elaine Staben Bozeman, MT (8/16/2011)
  • I so enjoyed visiting with Boyd, I remember one time he said "A guy has to keep his bills paid up but we need to set something aside for yourself every year too. It will add up so you can have something when you retire". We tried to set the bulls and the bears on the right path but I don't think either one heard us. Rest in peace my friend and spread your wisdom among the pearly gates. ~ Rusell & Dorothy Hansen Philip (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne & Family: Our sincere sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
    Dave & Jan     ~ Dave & Jan Mosey Rapid City,SD (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne and Family(ies),
    My thoughts and prayers are with you.     ~ Ann Amsden Colusa, Ca (8/16/2011)
  • Sheryl & Families
    Was sorry to here about your Dad.Just remember all the good times you had with him and hopefully this will help you through this rough time. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you.
     ~ Mary Alice Mangen Broadus,Mt (8/16/2011)
  • Thinking of all the family I knew in the Milesville and later high school days-great sympathy to all of you. Sorry so late--just got this today. ~ J Fleming Cummings Sonoma CA (8/16/2011)
  • Byron & Peggy,
    So sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. It was good to see you for a bit at the Rally and we want you to know we are thinking of you at your time of loss.     ~ Steve & Kathy Brown Sturgis, SD (8/16/2011)
  • Joanne and Family,
    I am sorry to hear of Boyd and am glad I got to see him last year at the wedding down here. I said do you know who I am? He said he did and said I looked like mom and it touched me that he did in fact know.
    My sympathy to all of you as I am sure he will be missed by all of you and anyone who knew him.
    Blessings,
    Julie     ~ Julie Elshere Furchner Ft. Pierre (8/16/2011)