Frank Parsons

Frank Smith Parsons was born August 14, 1927 in Philip, South Dakota, to William Cleveland (W.C.) Parsons and Charity (Fender) Parsons both from Allegany County, North Carolina. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Milesville, attended Hardingrove Rural School, and later school in Philip.
He married Berdyne Peterson on December 5, 1947 in Sturgis. He farmed and ranched on the family farm living there for 75 years until moving into Philip. As a young man he played baseball for the Milesville team, participated in rodeos, and worked building area missile sites. Later in life he worked as a crop adjuster and for the Haakon County Highway Department, and also worked at the Philip Livestock Auction. 
He had been a member of the Hardingrove Presbyterian Church and currently was a member of the Philip United Church and the Bad River Senior Citizens Center.
Frank loved playing pitch, gardening, hunting, fishing, and everything about country life. He was devoted to his wife, children, and grandchildren always giving unconditional love. His pride and joy in his family was the center of his life. He had a unique sense of humor and would give away his last $20 to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and could carry on a conversation with anyone. He survived a near death experience from hanta virus in 2004 otherwise living a healthy, active life.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Berdyne Parsons of Philip; two sons Roger Parsons and his wife Terri of Pierre, and Doug Parsons and his friend Susan Sutton of Rapid City; one daughter Brigitte Brucklacher and her husband Bruce of Philip; six grandchildren Cody and Kelly Parsons of Rapid City, Wendy (Dan) Peterson of Minneapolis, Amy (Fred) Gray of New Hope, MN, and Skye and Gavin Brucklacher of Philip; six great-grandchildren Makaylah, Myah, and Miles Gray of New Hope, MN and Joscelyn, Sevanna, and Jenessa Parsons of Rapid City; a sister-in-law Shirley Parsons of Philip; daughter-in-law Vikki Parsons of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers Quentin “Dude”, Leland “Turk”, Glen, Bill, and Howard “Did” Parsons; and two sisters Edna Blake and Mabel Fox.
Visitation was held one hour preceding the services of Friday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Al Brucklacher officiating.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
Memorials will be directed to the Philip Senior Citizen Center.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Friday, March 5, 2010 - 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
With Pastor Al Brucklacher
MUSIC
Skye Brucklacher - Flute
Carla Brucklacher - Piano
Glenn Parsons - Guitar
Vocal Duet
Glenn Parsons & Roger Porch
“Amazing Grace”
“God Must Be A Cowboy At Heart”
“Green, Green, Grass of Home”
USHERS
Doug West - Brant Sundall
Bryan Olivier
ACTIVE PALLBEARERS
Cody Parsons - Kelly Parsons
Alex Radway - Cain Radway
Gavin Brucklacher - Bruce Brucklacher
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Frank’s Pitch Playing Buddies
PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Visitation: one hour preceding the services of Friday.
Funeral services: 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 5, at the American Legion Hall in Philip.
Interment: Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
Memorials: will be directed to the Philip Senior Citizen Center.

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