Gifford Parsons

Born on January 28, 1938 in Philippi, West Virginia to Dorsey Marie and Mary (Mayle) Parsons, he married Betty Jo Mayle on March 17, 1962 in Maryland. She survives.

Also surviving are four children, Gifford (Kimberley) Parsons, Jr. of North Pekin, Sherry (Russ) Stoltenberg of East Peoria, Valerie (Zane) Ragon of Creve Coeur and Timmy (Melissa) Parsons of Carbondale; six grandchildren, Katherine Ragon, Tabitha Ragon, Joshua Stoltenberg, Gabrielle Stoltenberg, Breanna Parsons and Gifford Parsons, III; three sisters, Donna Jean (Delmos) Mayle, Janet Collins and Ernestine (Roger) Haynam, all of Canton, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Leonard Parsons.

Gifford served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1962 as an interior communications electrician after training in the Naval Personnel Schools.

Following his military service, he pursued a career as an electrician, initially working for Republic Steel in Canton, Ohio. He then worked 35 years as a dedicated member and working out of Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 1.

An avid reader, Gifford especially enjoyed western novels by authors such as Louis L'Amour and Zane Grey. His hobbies included gardening, collecting coins, collecting knives, and garage saleing.

Gifford was a member of American Legion Post 1115 in East Peoria and a former member of Creve Coeur American Legion Post 1234.

He will be remembered with fondness and respect by all who knew him.

His funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, October 13, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Creve Coeur. Joshua Stoltenberg will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Cremation will be accorded following the funeral service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Creve Coeur Public Library, 311 North Highland, Creve Coeur, IL 61610.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com