Teddie Gene Parsons, age 90, of Carl Junction, passed away on Friday, Aug. 16, 2024, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin.
Teddie, son of the late Frank and Kathleen (Reid) Parsons, was born on July 27, 1934, in Joplin. He attended high school in West Mineral, KS where he met the love of his life, Neva Smith. They were united in marriage on Jan. 8, 1955, and shared 70 wonderful years together until her passing on Jan. 8, 2023.
Soon after high school, Teddie enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country honorably. Upon returning to civilian life, he then began a career in coal mining, which led him ultimately to the Gulf Oil Company, from which he would retire after many years of dedicated service. In his retirement he found great satisfaction in fishing and in being an active member of his community with his involvement with West Mineral Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge 918, American Legion Post 35, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). He had a natural gift for storytelling, leaving listeners with smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts. Teddie’s giving nature touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include his daughters, Cheryl Layne, and husband, Mark, of Webb City, and Toni Parsons, of Oronogo; daughter-in-law, Debbie Parsons, of Oswego, KS; grandchildren, Anna Brock, Adam Layne (Karen), Josh Belcher (Summer), Ryan Belcher (Whitney Bailey), Trisha Belcher (Mellisa Shriver), Olivia Parsons, Luke Parsons, Talia Parsons, Tiffany Correll and Kyle Correll; great grandchildren, Adalyn, Laynie, Jameson, Buddy, Ally, Brady, Cal, Maris, and Mays. In addition to Teddie’s parents and wife, he was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Cassidy; and his two sons, Theodore Lynn Parsons, and Randy Parsons.
Graveside inurnment with full military honors will be held at Sherman Cemetery located 12382 NW Swan LN, Sherman, Kansas, 66725, on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Mineral Fraternal Order of Eagles Kids Fishing Tournament and may be entrusted to the mortuary.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.
