Gene Parsons

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gene A. Parsons,83, on Saturday, December 9, 2017, after a very brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Mr. Parsons was born in Freedom, OK, on February 23, 1934 to Clifford and Mable (Reed) Parsons. He graduated from Freedom High School in 1952.
From the time he was a little boy, he loved airplanes,so it was natural for him to join the United States Air Force. He retired with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant (SMSgt, E-8) in 1976 after servicing his country for 23 years as an aircraft mechanic, jet engine mechanic,
flight engineer, and missile safety superintendent. He flew all
over the world, delivering supplies to our troops, including
many trips into Vietnam.
Among Mr. Parsons’ many Air Force awards were the Commendation Medal with a bronze oak leaf cluster, the Good Conduct Medal with three bronze clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with a bronze star, the Service Aircrew Badge, and the Senior Missileman Badge. He was also an NCO (non-commissioned officer) PME (professional military
education) graduate and a small arms expert. Mr. Parsons was both a licensed private and commercial pilot. He also held instrument and instructor ratings and an A&P (airframe and powerplant) certificate. He was a "highly skilled but not licensed" carpenter, electrician, plumber, auto mechanic, painter and woodworker. He could fix almost
anything with a pair of pliers and baling wire, including repairing the engine on his airplane while flying high over the Atlantic Ocean.
Following his military retirement, he opened a State Farm insurance agency in Casa Grande and also served on the City of Casa Grande Airport Advisory Board. Mr. Parsons was preceded in death by his parents and an infant daughter. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Martha (Marty); a daughter, Mardi (Dwight) Brashier; a sister, Joan
(Delbert) Loomis; and many military comrades. At Mr. Parsons’ request, there were no services.
Arrangements were handled by J. Warren Funeral Services.