Allen Lee Parson

PARSON, Allen Lee Courageous encourager, silver-haired maverick, 77, who really DID catch, "the one that got away" from others, passed on Thursday, August 7, 2003 at the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital. March 9, 1926 marked the birth of Allen Lee to Mayford Mitchell Parson and Chester Parson in Paynes, MS. Childhood friends and family recall him to be a bit of a "hellion" and quite the all-around athlete. Upon graduating Charleston High School Class of 1943, he became a fireman for the Illinois Central Railroad. Eager to support his country’s honor during World War II, Allen joined the service and pledged allegiance to the Marine Corps. During his term in Okinawa his bravery earned him two Purple Hearts and survival of the impact of a hand grenade, leaving him paralyzed from the waist down. Upon arrival back to the states along the west coast, Al didn’t waste much time in capturing the heart of his beloved nurse Faith. August 24, 1947, he married and settled in Van Nuys, CA where he and his lovely wife built his first house and had two children. Many lifelong friendships developed with the neighbors, other paraplegic couples, and a host of celebrities including Marlon Brando, Rose Marie and Audie Murphy. Trailer in tow, he rounded up his family and hit the road in 1959. After a year’s search, he settled his family in Santa Rosa where he became an active community member as the Rincon Valley Little League President; Goodwill Industries Board Member; Faith Lutheran Church Men’s Group Leader, Counter, and Council Member; AL PAR Real Estate Broker, better known as "The Rollin’ Realtor." Allen lived the Marine Corps motto: "Semper Fi" which means "Always Faithful." "Once a Marine, Always a Marine, " Al was an active member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Marine Corps League, VFW, DAV, and life member of the American Legion. He was proud to serve as Commander for several military organizations. A man of many trades allowed Allen to tinker as an inventor, graphic designer, cabinet builder, and a real estate broker. His interests included bar-b-queing, wheelchair basketball playing, gardening, fishing, camping and traveling. Planes, trains, cruise liners, trailers, motor homes, motels and hotels throughout the world beckoned his call. Between travels fishing at local lakes, camping across America and gallivanting around Europe, he tried it all. Life embraced Al and he embraced life to its fullest. He could really "spin a yarn, " bar-b-que the best chicken in the west, and capture the hearts of all that were lucky enough to meet him. Allen was a "Big Wheel" who "rolled" tall. He improved the lives of many a paraplegic and inspired those who could walk. He is survived by his wife, Faith; daughter Carole and her husband Bob, and grandson Bryon Sergeant; son David and his wife Barbara Parson, and adopted daughter Cathy, her husband Jim, and granddaughters Kate and Jen Franchetti. Family and friends are encouraged to attend the celebration of Allen’s life, 2:00 p.m., Saturday, August 16 in the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church, 1940 Newaga, Santa Rosa. A welcoming reception will follow in the Charter Fellowship Hall to partake in some of Al’s favorite foods and share good ol’ boy memories. The family asks contributions go to the Faith Lutheran Church Charter Hall Patio Fund to build a warm, inviting and easy access spot for Sunday morning coffee, FLC Picnic/Bar-B-Que Site, or gift towards your favorite charity. Arrangements under the direction of EGGEN & LANCE MORTUARY.