Herbert Parsons III

Herbert Parsons III, 78, Galena, died March 5, 2024. Born May 5, 1945, Herb was the son of Herbert Jr. and Consuela Lorraine Parsons. He graduated from Cherokee County Rural High School in 1963 and attended Coffeyville College where he played football. He joined the air force in 1965 and started his basic training in San Antonio, Texas and continued training in Rantoul, Ill. on the B-52, KC-135, and B-58 bombers, where he received many awards for being able to repair the planes and get them back on duty in record time. He was stationed at Bergstrom AFB in Austin, Texas then transitioned to Peru, Indiana at Grissom AFB and received sergeant status in less than three years. In 1971 he joined the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union working on many powerhouses and chip plants throughout his career. He also began to preach in 1978 after receiving his degree in theology from Oklahoma Bible College. From there, his first church was in Sarcoxie, Mo. and he continued to preach the word of God in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Arizona. In 2004 Herb drove the school bus for Columbus USD 493. In 2016 Herb officially retired to stay home and take care of his chickens while cruising around on his golf cart and enjoying time with family sitting on the patio watching the birds. Herb and Paula Carolyn Coons were united in marriage September 17, 1965, she survives of the home. In addition to his wife, Herb is survived by their two children Karyn Jo Parsons, and Herbert “Huck” Parsons IV (wife Christy), six grandchildren Chelsea Fitzjohn (Tony), Samantha Parsons, Veronica Webb, Herbert “Coy” Parsons V, Katryna Webb, And Trevor Parsons. Two great grandchildren Larson Fitzjohn and Herbert “Indee” Parsons VI; siblings, Sandra Ligon (husband Dale), Steven Parsons (wife Paula), and Michael Parsons (wife Tracy), and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive. Cremation arrangements are being handled by Midland Cremation Society of Joplin, Mo. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Crestline on Saturday, March 23 at 2 p.m. Pastor Paul Duncan will be officiating.

Herbert Parsons III

May 5, 1945 - March 5, 2024