Terry Eugene Parsons

Dad was born December 26, 1925 in Pocatello, Idaho. He passed away on November 17, 2012 following a courageous battle to recover from a stroke he suffered on August 21, 2011. He was born to Sarah Elizabeth Stimpson and George Pinkney Parsons. He was born with medical complications that affected his vision. However, this never prevented him from working full-time and in his younger years driving one of his beloved cars. Dad had one brother, Frank Parsons (deceased), and one sister, Lola Nestor (deceased).

Dad's first address at birth was 330 Park. In September of 1942, he met and married the love of his life, Donna M. Mecham. Mom and Dad built their first home next door to Dad's birth home, at 342 Park. At retirement, Mom and Dad built a new home at 372 Park . In other words, Dad lived on Park Street all 86 years of his life only moving up the street three houses from birth until his death. Together there, they raised two daughters, Marilyn L. (Bill) Hardenbrook and Brenda J. (Larry)Ellis . Our mom passed away July 2, 2000.

Dad attended Roosevelt Grade School and Pocatello High School and went on to graduate with a GED of which he was especially proud. Dad worked at the Naval Ordinance Plant, Morrison Merrill Lumber Co and Martin Furniture. Later in life he secured an excellent job with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, where he retired in 1989.

Dad was instrumental in the organization of the first association of drag racing in Pocatello. He belonged to the Elks Foundation and especially enjoyed his affiliation with the VMCCA. (Veteran's Motor Car Club of America) Dad LOVED his cars, and this is an understatement. He was the proud owner of a 1939 black, Cadillac, and 1929 Model A Ford Roadster. Friends and family all helped in the restoration, with special thanks to Gene Thomas and our uncle Earl Mecham. Nothing brought Dad more pleasure than “showing” his cars at various car shows. Dad was an excellent wood craftsman. Dad handcrafted an exact replica of a “Tommy Gun” that was displayed with his '39 Cadillac. He was delighted when people would ask him if it was real.

Dad was preceded in death by our mother, Donna in July of 2000, both parents, a brother, Frank and a sister, Lola.

Our Dad is survived by his two daughters: Brenda (Larry) Ellis of Pocatello, Marilyn (Bill) Hardenbrook of Pocatello, five grandchildren: Sam Ellis, Richelle Grimsley, Scott Hardenbrook, Darel Hardenbrook, Brett Hardenbrook, eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren. There are many family members who loved and honored our father and he loved them deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dad's name can be made to VMCCA Scholarship Endowment/ISU Foundation, 921 S. 8th Ave. Pocatello, Idaho, 83209.


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