Donn Dwight Parsons

Smithfield – Donn Parsons, 81, of Smithfield, passed away Monday September 18, 2017 at his home in Smithfield.
He was born on December 21, 1935 in Fulton County to Raymond and Mildred (Holford) Parson.
He is survived by his wife, Norma (Shaw) whom he married on June 16, 1956 in Augsburg Germany, four children, Steel V. (Diane Clark) Parsons of Clarksville TN, Stacey M. (William) Bowen of Eldersburg MD, Dawn R. (Jackie) Marks of Fairmount IL, and Drema D. (The Late Anthony Martucci) Parsons of Ellisville, one brother Delbert (Beverly) Parson of Canton, two sisters Monie (The Late Fiori) Franzoni of Norris, and Palma (August “Butch”) Miller of Smithfield, twelve grandchildren, Tye, Honor, Brittany, Katie, Billy, Nathaniel, Elijah, Mariah, Alexandra, Daniel, Jillian, and Manny, nine great grandchildren, Skylar Echo, Celeste, Kaylin, Madison, Brenna, Robert, Hunter, Wyatt, and Catilyn, , and a clos friend Mike Trone.
Preceding him in death are his parents, one sister, Iris Sepich, one grandson, Benjamin Steel Parsons, and uncle Berthel Holford
Donn was a United States Army Veteran. He enlisted in the Army to be a paratrooper. He retired after 21 years of service as a Master Sergeant, having served four tours of duty with Special Forces in Vietnam. After retiring from the military Donn worked for the Fulton County Community Unit District 3 as head of maintenance for 22 years, he was a member of the Fiatt Independent Christian Church in Fiatt, the VFW in Canton, Cuba American Legion, The Disabled Veterans, the Peoria Shrine and the Canton Masonic Lodge.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday September 21, 2017 at the Fiatt Independent Christian Church in Fiatt at 4 pm, where visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Military Honors will be Rendered immediately following the service at the church.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made out to the Fiatt Independent Christian Church, the Shriners Children’s Hospital, or the Macular Degeneration Foundation.
To view Donn’s video tribute or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com