Lloyd Parsons

It isn't so much what we have in life, but rather to take in all that we are given, and Lloyd Parsons did so exceptionally well. Lloyd made certain his family had everything they needed, especially the loving support of a man with whom they could rely. Hard working, Lloyd taught by example, which served his children well. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Days of war cast a shadow across the nation in 1942, yet the spirit of America could not be broken. As young men were shipped overseas during World War II, those left behind were busy doing much for the war effort, while women entered the workforce in droves. In Vicksburg, Michigan, Lloyd and Mary (Nisonger) Parsons found reason to celebrate when on August 28, 1942 they welcomed the birth of their son, Lloyd B. Parsons.

The second oldest of eventually seven children, Lloyd grew up in the Vicksburg and Scotts areas where the Parsons made their home. Raised alongside his siblings, Luella, Jerry, Sandy, Shirley, Jack, and Dean, Lloyd experienced a childhood typical of the times. He attended the local schools through the eighth grade, and from a young age he began working to earn extra money.

Before long, Lloyd met the young woman with whom he would share the best of his days. He was introduced to Diane James on a blind date, double dating with mutual friends. After dating for a time, they found themselves deeply in love, and on February 21, 1966 they shared vows of marriage.

Blessed with four children, Lisa, Missy, Melanie, and Tim added much to Lloyd and Diane's lives. He supported his family by working at Morren’s Poultry for over 15 years where he mainly loaded boxes of chickens ready to be sent to area grocers.

Lloyd and his family did some camping in the area, but for the most part, he never liked traveling far. He most certainly didn't care for the highways, and always took the back roads wherever he went. Quite the homebody, especially after a long days work, Lloyd was content staying at home where he was most comfortable. He was a good cook, particularly when it came to his homemade noodles and fried chicken.

When it came to his grandchildren, Lloyd was in his element. Any time he could spend with them always proved to be a good time for all. He loved playing with them, and cared for them deeply. These times together will be long remembered and cherished.

Lloyd enjoyed tinkering around the house and puttering in the yard. He liked fishing and hunting, especially in his younger years. A fan of old time country music, he liked the sounds of Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, and Conway Twitty.

Although Lloyd Parsons was a homebody, he lived fully by keeping up with the lives of his children and grandchildren. His family by far was his greatest joy, and he worked hard to make a good life for them. In what would be the best years to enjoy family after retiring, Lloyd was diagnosed with Alzheimer's early on, having battled the disease for the last seven years. Gone but never to be forgotten, the heart of Lloyd Parsons lives on in those who knew and loved him.

Lloyd B. Parsons, of Vicksburg, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Diane; four children: Lisa Cardiff, of Vicksburg; Missy (Robert) Good, of Eaton Rapids; Melanie (Brian) DeMink, of Vicksburg; Tim (Renee Samson) Parsons, of Mendon; ten grandchildren; six siblings: Luella (Ben) Taylor, of Vicksburg; Jerry (Jill) Parsons, of TN; Sandy Blodgett, of Three Rivers; Shirley (Rick) Burchett, of FL; Jack Parsons, of Schoolcraft; Dean (Rose) Parsons, of Mendon.

The family will receive friends on Monday, April 14, 2014 from noon until 1pm at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held on Monday at 1pm at the same location. Burial will be at Vicksburg Cemetery.

Please visit Lloyd’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his online guestbook, leave a memory, and share a photo. Those who wish may make contributions to the charity of choice.