Clarence Dale Parkison, 81, died June 18, 2009 at the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry. He was born Feb. 26, 1928 in Riverton to Charles Edwin and Ruby Viola (Roberts) Parkison.
He graduated from Riverton High School in 1946. In high school, he played baseball and basketball, and sang in the chorus and many small groups.
On June 28, 1948 he married Barbara Lee Schaeffer.
He drove a truck, worked at the Riverton Elevator, was a carpenter, and retired from Eaton Transmission Corporation Quality Control Department after 20 years. He was a self-employed carpenter. He served as mayor of Riverton, on the city council, was city clerk and volunteered on the Riverton Fire and Rescue Department.
He loved riding horses, both trail riding and competing in play days. He loved to water ski, jet ski, fish and hunt. He spent many years sitting in the bleachers cheering on his children and grandchildren in sporting events, music and drama. He was a member of the Riverton United Methodist Church, and several horse clubs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Kenneth and Lyman; sisters Mamie and Vera; and an infant brother, Albert.
He is survived by his wife Barbara of Rippey; daughters Pam (Denny) Koso of Riverton, and Rev. Deb Parkison of Rippey; sister Bertha (Jack) Kellison of Westlaco, Texas; four grandchildren: Tony (Dana) Koso of Shenandoah, Tim Koso of Riverton, Jessica Parkison of Shenandoah, and Spec. Dustin Parkison stationed at Fort Hood, Texas; four great-grandchildren: Levi, Zackary, Gage and Dakota; nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, June 26, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Riverton with Rev. Fred Bryson and Rev. Deb Parkison officiating. Burial will be in the Riverton Cemetery. Memorial services will also be held on Tuesday, June 30, at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Perry with Rev. Clare DeBoef and Rev. Deb Parkison officiating.
The family will greet friends Thursday evening from 7-8 p.m. at the Shull-Gude Funeral Home in Riverton.
Memorials may be given to Riverton United Methodist Church, Perry Lutheran Home or Iowa Hospice.
Remembrances may be shared with the family at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.
Shull-Gude Funeral Home, Riverton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Perry, Iowa —
