Cecil Ellsworth Parsons, 74, of Gorin, passed away Wednesday October 23, 2024 in Moravia, IA, surrounded by his family. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Army.
Cecil was born on October 18, 1950 in Keokuk IA to Elman Russell Parsons and Gertrude Grace (Tague) Parsons Brown. He was raised in Gorin and this is where he called home most of his life. Cecil graduated from the Gorin High School in 1968.
Soon after graduation, Cecil was drafted to the United States Army, infantry division. He completed basic training at Ft. Leonard Wood and went on to complete advanced training at Ft. Sill, OK. Eventually Cecil was deployed to Vietnam. He served from July 1, 1970 to May 31, 1971.
Cecil married Cheryl Lynn Shoop on January 30, 1976 at the United Methodist Church in Memphis. She survives.
To this union, two sons were born: William Russell Parsons and Bruce Eric Parsons.
Cecil worked on the railroad for several years. He and his family resided in Wharton, NJ, for a short time while Cecil worked in the subways. Upon returning to Scotland Co., Cecil worked for MFA in Kahoka. Cecil and Cheryl owned and operated several nursing homes in Missouri during the late 90s and early 2000s. Farming was Cecil’s true passion in life and he spent many years farming alongside his family. In later years, with his boys, he instilled the love of farming in his grandsons.
He was a member of the Gorin Christian Church and was baptized in April of 1975. Cecil was a life-member of Wallace W. Gillespie Memorial VFW Post # 4958 in Memphis MO and the Sunday boys club in Mt Sterling IA. Those that knew Cecil knew he had a love of farming, fast cars–especially a GTO–, Steelers football and a shot of Ten High Sour Mash Bourbon.
Cecil demonstrated strength and courage in an array of challenges throughout his life. He strived to provide for his family and pass along a legacy that they can look back on and be proud of those values he instilled in them. The lessons and memories will far outweigh anything that he could have left to them. He often told his boys, “Being broke isn’t so bad, its just inconvenient as hell.”
Cecil is preceded in death by his parents; beloved stepfather Alfred Jim Brown; and a sister-in-law, Sharon Shoop.
Cecil is survived by his sons: William Parsons and wife Nicole of Memphis MO, Bruce Parsons and his wife Kayla of Arbela MO; the love of his life, Cheryl (Shoop) Parsons of Moravia IA; grandchildren: Gracie Parsons Devore and husband Christian of Centerville IA, Lane and Mason Parsons of Memphis, and Russ and Elsie Parsons of Arbela; great grandchildren: Gabby and Harlow of Centerville; a sister, Peggy Parsons Cumby, of Quincy; a brother, Charles D. Parsons, of Wyaconda; family: Bill and Donna Shoop of Moravia IA, Steve and Donna Shoop of Moravia IA, Gary Shoop of Memphis, and William and Julie Shoop of Linn MO; many nephews, cousins, other family members and a host of friends.
13 comments
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear cousin, Cecil
We can never begin to share our memories as we have 70 years of blessed memories
So sorry to hear about the loss of your family member he will be missed
I loved arguing with Cecil about the Cowboys when I live in Gorin. He was a mess.
Cheryl and family. May God give you strength and peace as you walk this new journey. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks.
Cecil P was an amazing man. Always there with a smile and a joke. He will be deeply missed.
Cecil was a great caring man in my book. He always took the time to speak with me when we ran into each other. I am deeply saddened by his passing. Hugs and prayers to all his family and friends. May God hold you all in his arms and give you comfort during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss, Cheryl you are in my thoughts and prayers you are truly such a strong and amazing lady that truly enjoyed working with in Humansville
The entire Larry & Nancy Platz family is saddened at the loss of their cousin, known also as a great friend, as we met often at Cecil P’s!!!! All of us loved to dine there.
Brent & CECILEE Platz are delighted their son, Bruce Cecil Platz, got to join everyone at the cafe!❤️❤️
Keeping your family in prayer.
Sending prayers of comfort for Cecil’s family.
So sorry to hear about the loss of your grandpa he will be missed
He will be missed. It just seems like yesterday when I was at Cheryl and Cecil’s Wedding. The family loved him dearly.
I’m in total shock about my friend, Cecil. He truly enjoyed life and never failed to talk to me when we seen each other. Cecil always loved our little town of Gorin and loved life. Prayers to all the family for peace and comfort.
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