Donald Lynn Parsons

Don was born March 21, 1925, to Archie Parsons and Gertrude Spencer Parsons. He passed away February 16, 2017, at the age of 91.

Don attended College Place Grade School and Walla Walla High School, graduating in 1943, shortly after which he went into the Air Force during WWII. He served as a B-24 nose gunner in the 456 Bomber Group 15th Air Force, stationed in Italy, flying 30 missions in Germany and Austria. He was discharged in 1945. Don met Betty Ritter at the South Eastern Washington Fair, and married her in 1947. He spent 25 years as a dairy farmer, then worked as Farm Manager for the Washington State Penitentiary, retiring in 1987. Don was well known for the “Calf Tracker”, a roping aid he designed, patented, and sold throughout the United States. Don and Betty had 4 children – Randy, Mary, Pam, and Lynn. He spent many hours with his children, encouraging them to compete on their horses, traveling to many rodeos. He also helped many area young people learn how to rope. Don was active with the Walla Walla Fair, and was honored in 2010 as a Cowboy Legend. He loved the kid’s farm at the fair, building the small “horses” the kids sat on to rope the “calves”. Don was a member of Pioneer Posse, Wagon Wheelers, and Elks Lodge 287.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, of almost 70 years; sister, Geanice (Don) Meiners of Waitsburg; and sister- in-law, Mae Parsons of Walla Walla. He is also survived by his children, Randy (Debbie) Parsons of Avery, Idaho, Mary (Paul) Meyer of Kennewick, Pam Johnson of Walla Walla, and Lynn (Collie) Parsons of Walla Walla. Don and Betty’s 10 grandchildren are Chris (Tina) Parsons of Walla Walla, Troy (Jennifer) Parsons of North Bend, Brian (Heather) Meyer of Spokane, Michelle (Rob) McGarrigle of Spokane, Matthew (Sunnee) Meyer of Pasco, Michael (Jessica) Johnson of Walla Walla, Eric (Andi) Johnson of Walla Walla, Nicholas Johnson and Megan Maier of Walla Walla, Thomas Parsons of Calif., and Sean Parsons of Jordan. They also had 12 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Don was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lester Parsons; sister, Mary Belle Parsons; and son-in-law, Donn N. Johnson.

Viewing will be Sunday, February 26, at Herring- Groseclose Funeral Home from 1-5 p.m. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 27, at 2 p.m., College Place Presbyterian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to College Place Presbyterian Church, the Salvation Army, or Walla Walla Public High School Scholarship Fund through Herring- Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guest book at www.herringgroseclose.com.