Joaquin Gaillard Parsons

Joaquin was born in a cook wagon four miles west of Alpaugh on December 7, 1916 to Harry and Bertha Parsons. Harry and Bertha bought the barn property in Ducor just before Joaquin started first grade at Ducor School when it was a two story wooden building. The first four grades were downstairs and the upstairs were designated for the older four grades. Annie Mitchell, the famous pioneer historian in Tulare County, was Joaquin's teacher. Joaquin graduated from Ducor and Porterville High School school, graduating in 1935. He went to University of California at Davis for two years majoring in agriculture and beekeeping. 
After Davis, he spent four years as a beekeeper.. He also did trucking, farming, raised beef cattle, among other jobs. He owned three bobtail trucks and a pickup truck and a trailer. He acquired many mechanical and life skills from these jobs that would later serve him while in the military. Joaquin joined the Marines on October 1, 1941 as World War 2 was imminent. He worked his way up to Master Technical Sergeant in the flight section, serving until February 1, 1946. Joaquin and Sara were married in March 1946 (Richard Owen served as best man) and recently celebrated 70 years. They moved into their current home in 1952. 
Joaquin and Sara had three children and have five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Survived by his wife, Sara, of Ducor; a brother, Francis of Post Falls, Idaho; Son, Jim of Ducor Daughter, Sandra Carter of Frazier Park, Daughter in law Cecilia Parsons of Ducor, Grandchildren Dustin Carter of San Diego, Vanessa Carter of Frazier Park, Jordan (Sara) Parsons of Porterville, Steven (Malynda) Parsons of Porterville and Kurt Parsons of Ducor; step grandchildren Gary Duncan of Sacramento, Kim Gonzales of Manteca and LeAnn Miller of Zenia, OH. Two great-grandchildren and two on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Bertha Parsons, his sisters Celine and Mary Alice and a son, John Parsons.
Joaquin was a dry land farmer and custom harvester in Ducor and in Merced. .  Over the years, he not only harvested grains, corn and beans, he perfected harvesting vegetable seeds, including broccoli, onion and lettuce. All of his children and grandchildren have worked for Joaquin. Today, Jim and grandsons, Jordan, Steven and Kurt operate and own the family business.
Joaquin was a member of the Ducor School Board and Ducor Water Company for many years. He was on the Porterville Public Cemetery board for 50 years.  Joaquin was assistant leader for Boy Scouts and 4-H. He enjoyed many backpack trips with his sons as Boy Scouts. Sara and Joaquin attended Air Base Group 2 Marine Reunions held all over the United States. Out of 25 reunions, they only missed three. Joaquin put in many long hours and days working as a farmer but took some time to enjoy some recreational activities. His hobbies included candy making and wine-making (getting many wine making tips from Francis Muller). He loved to go deer hunting, camping, clamming and riding ATCs in Pismo Beach, attending air shows, reunions, and conventions as well as spending time with family.   Services at Myers Chapel at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21 Burial at Vandalia Cemetery Reception at family home in Ducor