CECIL PARSONS

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1950-2024 

Cecil Ellsworth Parsons, 74, of Gorin, died October 23, 2024 in Moravia, IA, surrounded by his family. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army. 

Cecil was born on October 18, 1950 in Keokuk IA to Elmo Russell Parsons and Gertrude Grace (Tague) Parsons Brown. He was raised in Gorin and this is where he called home most of his life. Cecil graduated from the Gorin High School in 1968. 

Soon after graduation, Cecil was drafted to the United States Army, infantry division. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood and went on to complete advanced training at Ft. Sill, OK. Eventually Cecil was deployed to Vietnam. He served from July 1, 1970 to May 31, 1971. 

Cecil married Cheryl Lynn Shoop on January 30, 1976 at the Memphis United Methodist Church. She survives. 

To this union, two sons were born: William Russell Parsons and Bruce Eric Parsons. 

Cecil worked on the railroad for several years. He and his family resided in Wharton, NJ, for a short time while Cecil worked in the subways. Upon returning to Scotland Co., Cecil worked for MFA in Kahoka. Cecil and Cheryl owned and operated several nursing homes in Missouri during the late 90s and early 2000s. Farming was Cecil’s true passion in life and he spent many years farming alongside his family. In later years, with his boys, he instilled the love of farming in his grandsons. 

He was a member of the Gorin Christian Church and was baptized in April of 1975. Cecil was a life-member of Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial VFW Post # 4958 in Memphis MO and the Sunday boys club in Mt Sterling IA. Those that knew Cecil knew he had a love of farming, fast cars–especially a GTO–, Steelers football and a shot of Ten High Sour Mash Bourbon. 

Cecil demonstrated strength and courage in an array of challenges throughout his life. He strived to provide for his family and pass along a legacy that they can look back on and be proud of those values he instilled in them. The lessons and memories will far outweigh anything that he could have left to them. He often told his boys, “Being broke isn’t so bad, its just inconvenient as hell.” 

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents; beloved stepfather, Alfred Jim Brown; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Shoop. 

Cecil is survived by his sons: William Parsons and wife Nicole of Memphis, Bruce Parsons and his wife Kayla of Arbela; the love of his life, Cheryl (Shoop) Parsons of Moravia; grandchildren: Gracie Parsons Devore and husband Christian of Centerville IA, Lane and Mason Parsons of Memphis, and Russ and Elsie Parsons of Arbela; great grandchildren: Gabby and Harlow of Centerville; a sister, Peggy Parsons Cumby, of Quincy; a brother, Charles D. Parsons, of Wyaconda; family: Bill and Donna Shoop of Moravia, Steve and Donna Shoop of Moravia, Gary Shoop of Memphis, and William and Julie Shoop of Linn, MO; many nephews, cousins, other family members and a host of friends. 

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m, Saturday, at the Gerth Funeral Chapel in Memphis with Richard Lourcey, pastor of the Richland Baptist Church, officiating. A military ceremony, conducted by the Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial V.F.W. Post #4958 of Memphis and the Missouri Military Honors Program will follow at the Gorin Cemetery. 

Visitation is prior to the service on Saturday, from 10-11 a.m., at the Gerth Funeral Home. 

Memorials are suggested to the family for the creation of a Vietnam Memorial at the Gorin Cemetery and can be left at or mailed to the Gerth Funeral Service, 115 S. Main St., Memphis, MO 63555. 

Online condolences may be sent to the Parsons by signing the guestbook at gerthfuneralservice. com. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Gerth Funeral Service.