Royce John Parsons
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Royce John Parsons left his loving earthly home on Oct. 25, 2020 just 3 days before his 91st birthday. His wife Cathey was with him holding his hand when he passed. He died from COVID pneumonia. Both Cathey and son William were Covid positive.
Royce was born, in King, Texas on Oct. 28, 1929 to John and Mary Ola Parsons. He was the 3 rd. of 4 boys. Virgil Parsons, Baylor Parsons, Royce and later Lewis Parsons. All 3 brothers have predeased Royce.
Royce grew up and was educated in Texas. At age 8 he gave himself to his Lord and he was a faithful follower ever since. He was given special permission, at 17, to join the Navy. While there he studied to become an industrial electrician. He also met and married Kathryn Thompson in Sept. 1948. They ultimately had 3 daughters and later divorced.
During the following years he worked as an industrial electrician in Texas, Colorado, Alaska and Kansas. He spent 3 years, in Alaska, working on the Alaska pipe line and was there when the first oil came through.
In January 1986 he moved to Lawrence, Kansas where he met and married Catherine Van Reekum “Cathey” on October 12, 1986. They celebrated their 34th anniversary last month. Cathey had adopted an 8-year old boy, William. Royce also adopted him.
Royce enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking and singing. He shared his vocal talent especially with his Church both in the choir and in a Barbershop quartet through the Church
Royce was a 50-year Methodist Church member and after marriage to Cathey he joined her Church, First Christian Church Kansas a year or so after their marriage. The Rev. Barry Foster of First Christian will officiate at the Nov. 5th service.
Royce loved to travel and he, Cathey and William got to travel to many of the states as well as Canada and Mexico. They even enjoyed some cruises to the Caribbean and a special trip through the Alaska Inside Passage Way.
Royce is survived by: wife, Cathey, daughters: Judy Smith (Texas), Carolyn Parsons and Patsy McDaniel (both Colorado) a son, William Van Reekum -Lawrence, Kansas, 9 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren several nieces and nephews and friends. He will be missed.
Because of COVID there will only be a graveside service on Thursday, November 5, at 2PM, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, KS. There will be no gathering before or after the service. Please wear a mask.
Family suggests memorials in his name to First Christian Church and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary.
Cathey, Barney and I were so sorry to hear of Royce’s death. We wish there were something we could say that would ease your pain and sense of loss. Please know that we are thinking about you. We hope you recover from your own bout with this deadly virus.
I don’t know if you remember me, Cathy. I was your old neighbor who lived next door to Lew and Cindy. My husband, Bob died of cancer in July 2018 at age 88. I hope and pray for your recovery from covid, along with your son. Love and Peace to you and all your family.
Carney,
I was very sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies at this difficult time.
Cathy Ebmeier
Dear Cathey,
We’re so sorry to hear of Royce’s death. He was such a dear, generous man. He once did some electrical repair at no charge for a person I mentioned to him who couldn’t afford to pay for the needed work. That person was SO thankful. Just one example of how generous he was. We were so happy to meet Royce, back in the days when Lew and Cindy were our favorite neighbors. Such a wonderful family! We’ve missed all of you since we all went our separate ways and wish we’d been aware of Royce’s graveside service in time to attend. We wish you & Billy well in your recovery from this terrible disease and comfort as you deal with your loss. Much love to you. Judy & David Stutenroth