John Parsons

Funeral services for John Parsons were held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Fairfax City Hall in Fairfax, SD. Burial was in the Highland Cemetery in Fairfax, SD. Clausen Funeral Home, of Burke, SD, was in charge of arrangements. John was born on March 8, 1950, to James and Betty Parsons, in Schenectady, NY. The family relocated to Scottsdale, AZ, when he was a young boy, and he remained there until he enlisted in the Navy. John served in Vietnam, and was proud to be an American, and to have served his country.

John married Marlene, on August 26, 2000. Together they have four children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with Marlene, their children and grandchildren. John enjoyed spoiling the grandkids, from making go-carts to putting together the barrel train and driving them around, as well as, lighting off fireworks and watching their reactions.

John was proud of his undercover work as a drug task force agent, and the contributions he was able to make in service to his country. He enjoyed working as a diesel mechanic at his business AutoTrac in Fairfax, and being able to meet the needs of everyone who walked through the door. He was known by many to be one of the best small block engine builders.

John will be remembered for his love for God and his country. He was the very definition of a Patriot. He will also be remembered for his storytelling abilities, visiting with friends at The Constitution Tavern, sitting on his porch and talking about how God was carrying him through life, as well as the most current politics to everyone who came by the house. One would often find him on the porch swing, squeezing the last rays of sunshine from the sky and listening to that old time rock ‘n’ roll, that kind of music that just soothes the soul. People who knew John knew of his willingness to drop everything to help someone in need. He had a generous heart and was notorious for bringing home stray animals, and sometimes people as well, and giving them a home for as long as they needed.

John Dwight Parsons, age 73, of Fairfax, SD, passed away at his home on October 25, 2023, after a battle with cancer.

John is survived by his wife Marlene; children: Jessica (Kimberly, ID), Jamie (Jay) (Sedro Woolley, WA), Travis (Robyn) (Baltic, SD), Megan (Pierre, SD); grandchildren: Nauvre Silver, Samantha Silver, Christian (Kylie) Graham, Chloe (Jacob) Mahler, Steven DePew, Jaxon Silver, Morgan Silver, Raelyn Fast, Brynn Brothers, Hayze Fast, Hudson Brothers; two great-grandchildren; sister Carol Blaker Parsons.

John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Betty Parsons; and grandchild baby Mahler.