Born: October 31, 1942 - Deceased: May 18, 2020
Edward B. Parsons, 77, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, October 31, 1942 in Hammond, IN, passed away Monday, May 18, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Edward was a member of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Belleville, IL. and was a graduate of Lebanon, IL, High School, then attended McKendree College until joining the U.S. Army, where he served in the Military Police in Korea and Vietnam. Following his military services, he returned to McKendree College to earn a BA in History. He was a History teacher and basketball coach at Althoff Catholic High School for 2 years, then moved to 1st National Bank in St. Louis, MO as a personnel banking officer and also taught American Institute of Banking classes. Later, he joined Prudential Insurance Company as an insurance agent. After retirement, he became a teacher at Illinois Center for Autism.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: George and Kathryn, nee Schwarzentraub, Stickel
- Following their death he and his sister Alice were adopted by his elder sister, Jean Stickel-Parsons & brother-in-law, Robert W. Parsons. Alice, Jean & Robert also preceded Ed in death.
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Kathryn, nee Kuehl, Parsons of Belleville, IL
- Children
- Kari Elizabeth (Richard) Potts of St. Louis, MO
- Kristian Paul Gromada of Dallas, TX
- Alexander Kirk (Dina) Gromada
- Samuel Robert (Collette) Parsons of Belleville, IL
- Brother: William (Tracy) Parsons of Rolla, MO
- Sisters
- Kathryn Parsons-Skippers of MI
- Barbara (Michael) Robinson of Poplar Bluff, MO
- Helen (Lev) Buller of Charlottesville, VA
- Connie (Kevin) Roberson of Poplar Bluff, MO
- Grandchildren
- Sean Kelly
- Karen (Kenneth) Kitson
- Michael (Jackie) Kelly
- Sam (Emily) Kelly
- William Kelly
- Naajidah Hardeman
- Elaina Gromada
- Sam Parsons
- Alixandra Parsons
- Great grandchildren
- Jack Matthews
- Ivan Kelly
Edward loved to host large family gatherings. He was always happiest surrounded by family & friends. He was a great fan of McKendree Bearcat Basketball and continued to follow their games for many years. He was a collector of poetry books and loved reading poetry while listening to music. He had season tickets to the St. Louis Symphony Coffee Concerts always hoping for a concerto by Vivaldi, his favorite.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to McKendree University Sport’s Fund or St. George’s Episcopal Church in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Celebration of Life at a later date with Father Robert Eaton officiating.
3 Comments
I had the pleasure of meeting Ed several times during visits to my parents, Betty and Clarrie Buckley, in Belleville. Ed came to visit my father in his last days and was so warm and kind; I will always remember his smile. Peace be with you.
Harry and I wish to express our deepest sympathies to Kathryn and the family. Ed was a loyal McKendree Bearcat basketball fan and we appreciated his presence and support. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest sympathies are extended to Ed’s family. I attended classes with Ed at McKendree when he was finishing up his degree. He was such an easy going guy. Ed loved to watch McKendree Bearcat basketball games and was a huge fan of the Bearcats. Ed always had a kind word to say about someone and was friends with many. God Bless.