James Ellis Parsons, 84, of Powderly, died at 5:10 PM, Friday, May 1, 2020 at Paris Regional Medical Center. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 16, 2020 at West Post Oak Cemetery with military and Masonic Rites. Fry & Gibbs Funeral Home has charge of the cremation arrangements.
James was born October 24, 1935 in Forest Chapel to James Lonnie and Imogene Campbell Parsons. He graduated from Chicota schools and East Texas State University. Mr. Parsons was a retired after 21 years as a Senior Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force serving during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a 33rd degree Mason active in the Roanoke Lodge. James married Darlene Watkins on February 11, 2000 in Hugo, Oklahoma.
James was active and held many offices in many Masonic bodies including: Knight Masons, Scottish Rite, York Rite, Hella Shrine, York Rite College, Eastern Star, multiple Blue Lodges, Chapter Council, and Commandery, and Hella Black Horse.
Survivors include his wife of twenty years, Darlene Parsons of Powderly; four sons, James Clarence Parsons and wife, Solange of New Braunfels, Brian David Parsons and wife, L’Cena of Trenton, Texas, Shane Oats and wife, Melinda of Clardy, and Chad Oats of Campbell, Texas; eleven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas 75219.
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