Merle Orine Parsons

Born on Nov. 2, 1922, Merle was one of 13 children and grew up on the family farm in Holcut, Mississippi. After graduating from high school, he joined the US Coast Guard and served during WWII, patrolling Alaska, the South Pacific and the Pacific Northwest. At the end of the war, he remained in the Puget Sound region where he met and married Selma Olga Leite and began his long career with the National Cash Register Company (NCR). Merle was an expert cash register mechanic who first mastered mechanical and then digital machines, serving his clients from Auburn to Blaine with integrity, reliability and good humor. His hospitality and quick wit won the hearts of family, friends ,and business associates. Many feasts and picnics were hosted by Merle and Selma to honor holidays and birthday celebrations often featuring his famous BBQ salmon, shish-kabobs, and holiday peanut brittle. Family was at the center of Merle's heart.

Merle was preceded in death by 11 of his 12 siblings and is survived by his wife, Selma; sons, Steve (Joan), Brent (Pat), and Lei (Kelly); seven grandchildren; brother, Jack; and many loving friends.

His memorial will be held at 3PM on Friday, September 16th, 2011 at Faith Community Church in Edmonds.

Arrangements under the direction of Acacia Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Seattle, Washington.