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Richard Herman Parsons passed away at home of natural causes Feb. 25 with his loved ones near him. He was born in Bingham Canyon on July 26, 1924, to Mary Helen McKellar and Paul Edward Parsons. He was their only child and was treasured by both of them. Dad was raised in Tooele and enjoyed working on his Grandpa McKellar’s farm and helping his Grandpa Parsons with his mining interests. 
After graduating from Tooele High School, he worked at Kennecott Cooper for a short time prior to joining the U.S. Navy and served in World War II in the Pacific near New Guinea and the Philippine Islands. While in the Navy, his favorite meal was pork and beans. For many years thereafter, he could eat them for breakfast, lunch and dinner. After returning home he met his future wife, Leila Marzine Green. They were married in Grantsville on March 11, 1949. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. He began his career at Tooele Army Depot where he retired in 1979 as a computer programmer in the Data Processing Section after more than 30 years of federal service. Dad was a quiet, honest man who possessed a cute sense of humor. He enjoyed working on vehicles and remodeled much of his entire house after retirement. However, his family was his highest priority and he loved them dearly. He was a wonderful patriarch, an attentive son, husband and a role-model father. He was always there when we asked or had any type of activity or event and even when we didn’t request assistance he found some way to help. His grandsons were always labeled “buddies” and his granddaughters were “little sweethearts.” He suffered many health problems during his last three years, but because he loved his family so much he kept going in spite of his suffering. Until his dying day, he was more concerned about his family’s welfare than himself. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worked as executive secretary and ward clerk for many years. He was also an outstanding home teacher who sincerely cared about those he visited. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Leila Marzine, daughter Paula (Henry) Thomas and son Kent (Sheryl) Parsons. He had six grandchildren: Elizabeth (Eric) Waterman, Jason Nicholson, Robert Parsons, Nathan (Krystal) Nicholson, Scott Parsons and Anne Parsons. He had three great grandchildren: Alison and Bradley Waterman and Makayla Nicholson. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Michael Parsons. Funeral services will be held March 1 at 11 a.m. at the Tooele Eighth Ward Chapel located on 196 N. Pinehurst Ave. Friends and family may visit from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the funeral services. The family would also like to thank the staff of Harmony Home Health Care & Hospice, especially Krista and Barbara, for their tender care and professional services. Until we see you again, take care Dad. You taught us so much about love and service. Although it will be impossible to be as great of a person as you, we’ll try to emulate your example.
