Gary Parsons

Gary Parsons
Gary Parsons passed away on January 26, 2026. Gary was born on May 3, 1959 to Warren & Marie Parsons in Newark, Ohio. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Jo Lynne Parsons; his two daughters, Elizabeth Parsons and Danielle Parsons (Jeremy Hepker); his father, Warren Parsons; sister, Monica Parsons; mother-in-law Lillyan Shaffer; sister-in-law Stacie Shaffer (Lisa Bradley); and his many friends & colleagues. He was predeceased by his mother, Marie Parsons; father-in-law, Howard William Shaffer; and Guido, his beloved cat.
Gary graduated from Newark High School in 1977 and the University of Cincinnati in 1982 with a BS in Chemical Engineering. After graduation, he moved to Midland, Michigan where he started employment with The Dow Chemical Company in 1982 and worked until his retirement in 2018. At Dow, Gary worked in Manufacturing, Automotive Technical Service & Development (TS&D), Plastics TS&D, and Building Solutions. He took pride and enjoyment in working for Dow, being awarded 17 patents over his career.
On July 17, 1993, he married the former Jo Lynne Shaffer at Aldersgate Church in Midland, MI. Little did he know, his life would never be the same.
Gary loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time hunting and sailing on the Great Lakes with his friends. He loved woodworking, listening to music, camping with his family & friends, reading, and cooking for his family. On a fall Saturday, you could find him watching every University of Cincinnati and The Ohio State University football game.
Memorial services to celebrate Gary's life will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 12 p.m. until the time of service and following services from 3-6 p.m. at the Dow Diamond, 825 East Main Street. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider donating to the American Heart Association, the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.