Obituary: Frank Parsons

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In memory of

Frank Parsons

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, February 28, 2010 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital at the age of 82

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

Open the Memorial Folder

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.

Sign the guestbook

Berdyne, Brigitte, Skye, Gavin, & Family
I was sorry to hear of Frank's death. I remember fondly having meals with Frank at the Senior Citizen Center and his rather dry sense of humor. A good man and I know he will be greatly missed. May God strengthen you during this time of sorrow. ~ Mark Ford St. Cloud, MN (2/28/2010)
Im sorry to hear of Franks passing. I know you will deeply miss him. God Bless you! ~ Shelia Trask Wasta SD (2/28/2010)
Just learned of Frank's death. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Mae Gades ~ Mae Gades Holloway, Mn. (2/28/2010)
Sympathy to all of Frank's family. Sincerely, Bev and Cork Jahner ~ Bev & Cork Jahner Kerrville, Texas (2/28/2010)
To all Frank's Family-
We were so sorry to hear of your loss...what a shock for your family. We hope you hold many dear memories of Frank close to your heart and that those thoughts help to sustain you during those moments in the future when you feel that loss...he will surely be missed by many. ~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Milesville (2/28/2010)
My condolences in the loss of your loved one. ~ Ray Wilhelm 330 Flormann St. Rapid City, S.D. (2/28/2010)
Berdyne & Family, So sorry for your loss. Frank was such a great guy. Ralph enjoyed the years that he worked with him at the county and always called him friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God Bless. ~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler Sturgis, S. D. (2/28/2010)
We are so sorry for your loss. ~ Tom & Vicki Odom Rapid City (2/28/2010)
Doug,
I am sorry to hear this. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. ~ Faye Rapid City (2/28/2010)
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of you father. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ~ Ralph and Sharon Anderson Rapid City (2/28/2010)
Just wanted to let you know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I always got a kick out of your Dad's humor when he used to swing gates at the salebarn. Take Care!

Jake & April Schofield ~ April Schofield Philip, SD (2/28/2010)
I enjoyed Frank's company and conversation whenever Roger and I would stop by the old farm house. I know he will be missed by his family, friends and neighbors. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Aaron Miller Pierre, SD (2/28/2010)
Sorry about your loss, sympathy to all. ~ Lonnie Arneson & Teri Ann Elm Springs, SD (2/28/2010)
Roger, Terri and Parsons family:
Remembering you all in our prayers during this difficult time. Wrap yourselves in the happy memories of Mr. Parsons that you carry in your heart. God bless. Hugs to you Roger and Terri. ~ Deb & Steven Leige Spearfish, SD (2/28/2010)
No words can ease the heartache you are going through. Please know we are praying for great comfort and peace through this walk of grief. May it be short and filled with love.
We are so very sorry. ~ Rocky and Rebecca Williams Philip, SD (2/28/2010)
Brigitte, Bruce, Berdyne, Skye, Gavin,
My thoughts are with you and your family. I remember visiting with Frank and his love of gardening and the outdoors. His friendly ways will be missed by many. ~ Amelia Hurley Philip (2/28/2010)
Berdyne, Brigette & Family
We are saddened to hear of Frank's passing. He was a very kind & humorous man. May god and memories help you as you endure the days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. ~ Brock & Brittany Smith Philip, SD (2/28/2010)
Sorry to hear the news about Frank. Have fond memories of Frank and the years growing up with the Parson family. My symathy to the family. ~ Richard Curtis 903 13th Street, Rawlins, Wy 82301 (2/28/2010)
Berdyne and family - sorry to learn of Frank's passing. He will be missed by many, especially the Cheyenne River Camping group. May the love of family and friends help comfort you at this time. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (2/28/2010)
Brigette and Family, So sorry to hear about Frank. My thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Sheryl O'Dea Schweitzer Gillette, WY (2/28/2010)
Berdyne and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your loved one. Frank was a special guy with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by all who loved him. He touched many lives with his winning ways. God bless you all. ~ Bonnie Fitzgerald Memphis, TN (2/28/2010)
Brigette and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. May the days come brighter in the near future. And remember he is in God's house now and enjoying his new life!! Our thoughts and prayers are with you this this hard time in our lives. Take care and if you need anything please let me know...even a friend to talk to.
Love, Cindy and family ~ Cindy Kerns Philip (2/28/2010)
Brigitte & family,
So sorry for the loss of your dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It is never easy to lose someone so close to your heart. May you find comfort and peace in the memories of times spent together.
God Bless,
The Nelsons ~ Nicki,Wes, & James Midland,SD (2/28/2010)
Berdyne and family. I was saddened to hear of Frank's passing! I really enjoyed working with Frank and visiting with him downtown. He was a one of a kind camp cook! God Bless. ~ Joe Millage Philip, S. Dak. (2/28/2010)
Berdyne, Brigitte and Family:

We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one, Frank. He was such a joy when we had all the Brucklacher family gatherings and he was able to attend. Always a tease and such a social good guy. We enjoyed his time with all the family immensely. He will surely be missed at our family gatherings. God Bless.

Love, Mark & Carla ~ Mark & Carla Brucklacher Wall, SD (2/28/2010)
Brigitte,Berdyne and family, I am so sorry to hear about Frank. I have fond memories of being a kid and coming to your house to play, Frank was our taxi driver to Philip for music lessons, he even got us home safely drivig though a blizzard when we couldn't see the road. He loved to laugh and give others a hard time. Hold your memories close to your heart. God Bless you. ~ Stacy Dole Black Hawk (2/28/2010)
Dear Berdyne & family,
Our hearts are with you at the passing of Frank. He was a one-of-kind guy, always knew what he stood for, always a friend to my dad, never to be forgotten. Cherish his memory and example. God bless, comfort & keep you. ~ Kenny & Lyndy Ireland Philip, SD (2/28/2010)