Randy Lee Parsons

Randy Lee Parsons was born September 10, 1936, in St. Peter, MN to Mahlon T. and Vena B. Parsons. Randy attended elementary school in various small towns in South Dakota and Southern Minnesota, graduating from Clairmont High School, Clairmont, MN, in June of 1954. During his junior year of high school, he went to work as an Agent-Telegrapher with the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad, where he accumulated 10 years of seniority.

He enlisted in the Navy in February 1955, serving half his duty in Germany and the other half in Nicosia, Cyprus. He served three short tours at sea on the aircraft carriers USS Saratoga and Forestall and the submarine, USS Corporal. He was honorably discharged with the rank of CTI in January 1959. He graduated in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Mankato State University.

On July 8, 1961, he married his sweetheart, Rita Mae Bongaarts, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in New Ulm, MN. In July 1964, he joined Jostens and two years later transferred to Pueblo, Colorado. In 1974, he moved his family to Canon City.

After serving the schools in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico for 36 years, he retired in July of 2000. He had many interests, but mostly loved golf, hunting, fishing, camping with his family, gourmet cooking, and riding his Harleys and bright red CanAm.

He is survived by his sister, Maxine Sparacino; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; parents; sister, Kay Boruch; and two brothers-in-law.

Randy will be greatly missed by his three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Thank you to Sangre de Cristo Hospice for the care and compassion with our father during his last few days.

After a private burial with his family, we would like to invite his friends to his home from 2-4 pm on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, for appetizers, drinks, and happy memories.

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