Every single one of us is praying for your entire family. Please know that you are loved by us!!!

Griffin was the smartest person I knew. He was one of my favorite people to talk to like ever too. I remember when we found out that we were in health class together we got so excited because we literally didn’t know anyone else in our class. I think he might have been one of the only reasons I ever enjoyed that class. One time we had a project we had to make a video for and he wrote the script and it was the funniest thing we had ever done. We were on scholastic bowl together too. Those bus rides we so loud and chaotic and no matter how many times the seniors or Mrs Galletti told us to be quiet we couldn’t stop laughing and making jokes with each other and when we weren’t being loud we were probably listening to some music together. I remember there was one time where I was determined to go to a match that night even though I had just gotten my wisdom teeth out and so on the bus ride home I was in so much pain and I was just trying to sleep but he kept putting his AirPod in my ear and it honestly made me so much happier. I’m gonna miss him he was such a good friend. 

Our hearts, souls and prayers are with you all.  We love you so much. 

Kim & Tim Gryl and family

Griffin was one of my first students I taught in Sunday School and is probably one of my favorites because he always let me know if I did a good job that day but always in a respectful but honest way.  One time he said I think you can do a little better and he was right.  I hadn't prepared like I usually do and it showed.  Because he had told me that I made sure I was prepared the next Sunday and I got high praise when he said I did a pretty good job!  He made me strive to be better for the kids!!  I thank him for making me a better me!

Jessica and Jared, 

I am utterly heartbroken for you both and your entire family. I know your love, memories and faith will endure. Jessica, my wonderful friend, I am here for you always. 

Love to you all. 

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”

What a wonderful photo tribute to a beautiful child of God.  Our prayers are with your family.  Steve and Darla Peterson

My amazing grandson, 
You always amazed me with how intelligent you were. Learning one thing to full capacity and then going on to the next thing of interest. When I would tell you how amazing you were you would shrug and tell me it's was no big deal. But it was a big deal. You were so amazing! I loved the surprise texts from you every now and again. I will miss you with all my heart but you will never be forgotten. Rest peaceful, sweet soul. I'll see you again. I love you more than words! Nana

There are no words just know your family is in our hearts and prayers.   

John and Carrie Quatto. 

Zoe and I wanted to express our deep sorrow for your families loss.  Our hearts go out to everyone. Sending lots of prayers and wishes for godly comfort during this very sad time.  

To Griffin’s family
I never knew Griffin, but from all I see and read he was a true and genuine soul. 
A child of God. May the Lord surround your family and friends with his peace, comfort and love. And may Griffin rest peacefully in the loving care of the Lord. 
God bless you all. 

Dear Tammi, Dave, and families,
So sorry to hear of your loss.  Our thoughts & prayers are with you.

Griffin, we are very sad to hear that you had left us.  Both Gregory and I were very lucky to have met you online.    You were a very special tutor to Gregory.  You were his mentor.  He loved your video when you said, " I never got a B in my life".   We believed you.  You had both high IQ and EQ and had a great personality on top of that.   We could not believe that you were only 14 years old.  You knew so much of every topic we asked you to teach.    Thank you for tutoring Gregory.   Griffin, you were very special to us.    You shall be missed.

When I think of my own kids childhood memories, there aren’t many that don’t include Griff and his siblings. Living 400 miles away from home while raising two small children, I was desperate for friends when Jessica stepped into our lives. Uncle Jessica (as my kids lovingly referred to her) became a second mom and my kids assumed the Parsons kids were their cousins. Griff had this special intuition about him that he always sensed when I needed a hug. My very last day in Illinois, before moving to Kansas City, I was really holding it together with saying goodbye to friends. Griff silently waited around until everyone had stepped away and he came into my arms and laid against me for the best hug in the world. We stayed that way for quite awhile as we cried on each others shoulders. I don’t remember either of us saying a word, just simply holding onto each other in hopes that we wouldn’t actually have to say goodbye. 

Griffin was a student in my 5th grade class.  He was one of the kindest students I've ever had. Although he was extremely intelligent he never flaunted it, and instead used his strengths to help support others.  He impacted my life for the better having him as my student. My deepest condolences to his family~

I had a yearbook with Jared and Jessica's pictures and am amazed by the similarities to Griffin.   Jared and I have been friends since 6th grade.  I wish you and your family the best moving forward in this difficult time and please reach out if you ever need a friend, "Mr. Tall Man".
-Billy

This is how I’ll forever remember Griffin. I loved watching him interact with Judah. Such a sweet bond. Love you all. 

Griffin was always so smart beyond his years I remember when I was his kids camp counselor and he brought a few Rubix cubes, some were easy to solve but I do recall one that was very challenging to solve and I had no idea how to solve it but he was able to solve it very quickly! At church I would talk to him and every time he found a way to make me smile. He will be missed dearly. I am so sorry for the Parsons loss of a great son. 

Griffin and my daughter Allyson were in the same preschool class at Discovery Days, and he was the first kid to greet her when we started going to PFN shortly before kindergarten started. He was always a sweet, intelligent, goofy kid. I just loved him, and what a great friendship he and Ally had. Here he is in 2019 pretending to be a Christmas tree in Kidzone. 

We love you all and grieve with you during this heart wrenching time ! Many Hugs and prayers in the days to come ! 

Griffy & G didn’t last long on our Christmas light scavenger hunt.😄

Jared, Jessica, Nolan and Nora...There are just no words to express our heartfelt sympathy to all of you for you tragic loss of Griffin.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in times to come.  My remembrance of him and his love of animals is from once I was out doing some yardwork.  When I came around between our houses, there was Griffin, just crouched down and looking up the long gutter downspout resting on the ground.  I asked what was happening and he said a baby squirrel just ran in there.  I told him it was just probably a pesky chipmunk, and he had plenty of room and would come out eventually.  Griffin then asked if he could just stay there and watch til the little critter did come out!!  We also think of his dedication to the many lemonade stands set up often in the hot sun...he was always there for the day, no matter how hot.  We will remember him fondly, and all of you as great neighbors...love and peace to your entire families....Phil and Sharon Reichert



My heart goes out to the Parsons family! I am very sorry for this very devastating loss. Sending prayers to the family and friends of Griffin, he was a special young man.  

My favoriate memory of Griffin was the first time I met him,. I was picking up Gracie and Griffin from school. As we were driving home Gracie tell's me Griffin likes the rubiks cube as well. I happen to have one in the car, so i handed it to him. He gave it right back to me in less thatn two seconds. So I assumed he just looked at it and was giving it back. As I took it and noticed it was completely done. I almost drove off the road.  I had been messing around with it for 2 weeks, and he didn't even spend 2 seconds on it.  I was always curious to ask Dave and learn more about what Griffin was up to.

Griff and I shared a love for electronics, computers, and programming.  Sometimes he would come to my house on a Saturday and we would do a project together...just me and him.  We had a relationship that didn't require many words.  We were both just happy to be in each others presence and doing something we loved.  On this particular day, we built and programmed an Alexa device. 

When Griff was about 4 years old, he had the ability to read complex words and pronounce them correctly, even though he didn't know what they meant.  One evening I was watching Griffin play a video game on the TV.  He was reading the game instructions out loud as they scrolled on the screen.  He read the word "apparition" and pronounced it correctly.  I asked Griffin, "What did you say?"  He pointed to the screen and said "apparition".  I asked him what the word meant.  He shrugged his shoulders and said "I don't know."
A little later it was time to take him back to Jessica and Jared.  I told Griffin to put his shoes on.  He did, and came to me to tie them.  I said, "Griff, you can read the word apparition but can't tie your own shoes?" He rolled his eyes and said, "Grandpa, I'm only four years old!"


The day that Griffin was baptized, it was rainy and storming.  I took this picture as I drove home after the service.  For me, it was God's promise that Griffin belonged to Him, and He would hold Griffin close.  That's why I took this picture.  
I will never say goodbye to you, Griffin, because your memory and the love we shared will stay with me until I see you again.  I love you, Griff.

Griffin David Parsons was born on December 1, 2007.  The "David" part was to honor me, his grandpa.  Griffin was my namesake and I was so proud.  Little did I know just how proud I would be in the coming years.

Anyone who knows Griffin knows that he had a passion for Rubik's cubes.  We would travel to competitions and he would hold his own against college students.  
Griffin had intellectual abilities that most of us will never know.  Unfortunately, he often saw himself as different instead of uniquely gifted.  For the people that loved and accepted Griffin for who he was, I am eternally grateful.

Griffin was a sweet boy, who will always have a special spot in my heart. I loved his wit and his sweet personality. My favorite memory is when I would take his Rubik’s cube and mess it up and he could put it back in 30 seconds. He will be missed, my family and I are lifting you all up in prayer.

Blessed to have known Griffin. Amazing kid! My prayers will continue for you all. I love you!

Jessica my heart hurts for you, Jared, Nolan and Nora. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of your family and all the friends that loved Griffin. I am sending extra prayers and hugs as you navigate these next steps💓 Please lean on each other and reach out if you need anything at all.

I was Griffin’s preschool teacher and I remember him as a sweet,  bright little boy with the cutest smile.  I had such a soft spot in my heart for him.  It was a joy teaching him and also knowing his parents and siblings. Prayers for all of you! 
                                                     


OBITUARY

Griffin David Parsons

December 1, 2007 – October 2, 2022

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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