Al Donald Parsons, son of Donald Albert and Maxine (Hudson) Parsons, was born June 15, 1940, in Cassville, Missouri. He departed this life June 24, 2026, at his home in Laquey, Missouri, surrounded by his loved ones, at the age of eighty-six years.

As a child, Al attended school in Hurley, Blue Eye and Exeter Missouri following his father’s career as a Principal. While in school, he was a gifted athlete and an excellent basketball player. He thoroughly enjoyed the game and being apart of the team. He graduated High School from Exeter Missouri with the class of 1958.

After graduating from high school, Al joined the United States Army. During his service time, Al obtained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was a highly decorated officer in the United States Army for over twenty-two years. His service time included two tours in Vietnam, as a Helicopter Pilot and an Attack Helicopter Company Commander. Al was the recipient of four distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star, with Oakleaf cluster and 69 Air Medals, three with Valor. Al Parsons was honored to fly Lieutenant Colonel Hal Moore in the Ia Drang Valley, just after the famed battle that was chronicled in the movie “We were soldiers once and …..Young”. Al also piloted the Commander of US Forces, Gen William

Westmoreland, as well. His faithful service brought great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Al was united in marriage with Helen Marie (Hawk) Parsons and to this union were three children, Al “Ali”, Maxie and Madonna. He later married Deborah “Debby” York. To this union came Thomas Parsons. Together Al and Debbie shared nearly thirteen years of love and memories. Al was raised in a Christian home and environment. He Made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ as his personal savior in this spring of 2026. Al was a simple man. He loved his farming. He had owned and operated three farms from Laquey, Missouri to Cassville Missouri. He farmed cows and raised goats and horses. He liked to pheasant hunt and enjoyed watching westerns. Al leaves behind to celebrate his memory, his wife Debby (York) Parsons; his children, Jeremiah Nickels and his wife Sarah, Joshua Nickels and his wife Becky, Thomas Parsons, Maxie Buescher and Madonna Bonnafous and her husband Xavier; his grandchildren, Baylee & Rylee Gee, Preston Cook, Taylor Kearbey (Sean), Makenzie Bieber (Adam), Grace Helen Lumbreras, Eva Marie Bonnafous, Madison Boorom (Brian), Bailey Nickels, Issac Nickels, Anabel Nickels, Hannah Nickels, Ivy Nickels and Cora Nickels; his great-grandchildren, Asher Cook, Kloie Wiseman (Caleb), Kaison, Boorom, Dailan Boorom and Montana Hawk Parsons II; his brother H.G. Parsons and his wife Vicki; other relatives and many dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one son, Al “Ali” Donald Parsons II; one grandson, Montana Hawk Parsons; one great-grandson, Koby Cook and one sister, Pamela Parsons.

Al will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

PAID OBITUARY