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Dean Oren Parsonsof Philip, South Dakota, died on Thursday, June 21, 2018
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Dean Oren Parsons was born February 1, 1927, in Philip, South Dakota, the first of seven children born to William “Bill” Jr. and Helen (Elshere) Parsons. He grew up and attended Rockyford grade school and later school at Hardingrove, South Dakota. Dean then attended Philip High School and graduated in 1945.
Dean learned to fly in 1946 and bought his first airplane, the first of many, a Taylorcraft. Flying was one of his lifetime interests. After the 1949 blizzard, he made many flights helping snowbound friends and neighbors. His most noteworthy flight was flying his oldest grandson, Douglas Hackens, to Salt Lake City to the University of Utah Hospital after a life threatening accident.
Dean was united in marriage to Blanche King LaFee in February of 1949 in Rapid City. To this union was born two daughters: Ruth and Beth. They farmed a short time at Milesville, and in 1950 he became a partner in Baye and Parsons John Deere dealership, and in 1957 they purchased the John Harnish farm north of Quinn. Dean was a progressive farmer instrumental in improving wheat farming methods. He served on the South Dakota Wheat Commission, Great Plains Wheat Commission, and Western Wheat Association. He traveled extensively for promoting and marketing wheat. Dean had a business in Wall for five years called Parsons Ranchers Supply he bought it in the 70’s after he sold his ranch, then in 1981 he sold the business to Rick Johnson.
Dean was united in marriage to Mary Stangle on November 6, 2004, in Hill City. They made their home in Philip all their married life.
Survivors include his wife Mary (Voyles) Parsons of Philip; two daughters Ruth Ann (Jerome) Butters of Gypsum, Colorado and their children: Lisa (Patrick) Scheetz, Julie (Steve) Miller, Kathryn, and Richard, and Beth Parsons of Philip and her children: Matthew, Amber (Brad) Beer, and Murdock (Brittany Holt) Arthur; two step-children David (Linda) LaFee of Keystone and their children: Mark and Charles, and Barbara (Monty) Hackens of Rapid City and their children: Douglas, Daniel, Dustin, and Eric; Mary’s children: Patricia (Eric) Wilson of Kingsland, TX, Anita (Doug) Peters of Hill City, Carol (Wally) Hoffman of Creighton, and Steve Voyles of Deerfield; two brothers Bart (Janice) Parsons of Milesville, and Billie (Connie) Parsons of Milesville; three sisters: Doris (Kenneth) Berry of Philip, Mary Slovek of Philip, and Leah (Jim) Waddell of Arizona; sister-in-law Joanne Parsons of Rapid City; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by his first wife Blanche; his parents; a brother Boyd Parsons; a grandson Lavern Hackens; step- children John Salmon and Chuck Salmon; and a step-grandson Zane Hoffman.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.
A visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 25, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment will be at the Milesville Cemetery.
FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, June 25, 2018 - 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Melanie Crowser - Pianist
Rachel Gartner - Vocalist
“On Eagles Wings”
“God Will Take Care of You”
Congregational Hymn
“The Old Rugged Cross”
USHERS
Paul Slovek - Doug Peters
PALLBEARERS
Matt Arthur - Murdock Arthur - Brittany Holt
Brad Beer - Amber Beer
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Milesville Cemetery
Milesville, South Dakota