Kern County CA Obituary Project Obituaries.....Parson, Harold Nels  March 2005
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
K T bluewolf@onemain.com March 11, 2005, 11:42 pm

The Bakersfield Californian 
Harold Nels Parson

Services:  Sat., Mar. 12, 2:00 p.m. 

Cherishing the memory of Harold Parson are his wife of nearly 61 years, Ruth 
Parson and his children, son Pete Parson, daughter Deborah (Johnny Rodrigues) 
and son J. (Roberta Rudnick). Also he leaves his grandchildren Jason, John, 
Jennifer, Katy, James, John and Will and great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Taylor 
and Brianna, Garrett, Christopher and John. Missing him also will be his pals: 
Tom Barnes, Harvey Brockmeyer, Paul Rupp and Ralph Smith, his brothers and 
sisters-in-law and 11 nieces and nephews and their families as well as many 
friends and co-workers who admired and respected him for his easy smile, warm 
temperament and conscientious work ethic. Predeceasing him were his twin 
brother Daryl and sisters Lucille, Alma and Addie. He was a member of the 
First Congregational Church, Oildale F&AM and Kiwanis International.

Dad was born January 31, 1926 to 1st generation Americans John Parson and Emma 
Vanhoozer Parson in Mulberry, Kansas where he received his early education. He 
was fiercely patriotic and felt blessed to be an American. Having served in 
the South Pacific during WWII he was ever mindful of his comrades and others 
whose lives were lost in war. He was one of but 26 out of several hundred 
shipmates to survive the torpedo sinking of the troop transport ship USS 
Willard A. Holbrook off the coast of New Guinea in 1944. Dad flew our nations 
flag with great pride.

As depression era children, Dad and his twin brother, Daryl, became instilled 
with the value of work at an early age. Even before they started school they 
were picking wild berries and selling them in town. Later they cleaned bricks 
for less than a penny apiece and as early teens hopped freight trains to go to 
the wheat harvest in Western Kansas. Not that everything was work, as we were 
often regaled with tales of boyhood pranks and the joys of the simple life in 
the country and the lifelong bonds that were formed. After graduating high 
school in 3 years, Dad at barely age 16, came to California to work and send 
money home. He married his childhood sweetheart March 11, 1944. Often he 
worked two full-time jobs and then became one of the youngest men to drive a 
route for Langendorf Bakeries. After over 45 years he retired as General Sales 
Manager for the company. Dad quickly found several part-time jobs in 
merchandising and then began a new career with Standard/Enterprise Rental 
Cars. He loved to drive. After more than ten years, last fall, he reluctantly 
called in to say he could no longer answer the bell.

Throughout his life Dad exemplified industry, responsibility, and loyalty and 
he was a model of honesty and self-reliance. These attributes he sought to 
pass on to his children and others by letting his actions speak louder than 
his words. He gave us the tools then allowed us to set our own sails or absent 
the wind to row our own boats. He approached life as a gift and as such felt 
it was his duty to endeavor to be satisfied that his daily efforts were a 
worthy use of his time. He gave the best of himself and wished the best for 
others. From him, we learned much about how to live a meaningful life. In our 
hearts and minds he teaches us still. He was, indeed, a very fine man.

Dad was always proud to proclaim that he was from Mulberry, Kansas and each 
year made at least one trek back home following Old Route 66. He found great 
joy visiting with friends and relatives and inspecting his farm properties. 
Now, he rests in Mulberrys Rosebank Cemetery. He is back home once again.

The family wishes to thank the nurses at Bakersfield Heart Hospital for their 
kindnesses and compassionate care. A memorial service will be held in 
Celebration of Dads life at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 12, 2005, in the chapel 
adjacent to the 1st Congregational Church at Real Road and Stockdale Hwy., in 
Bakersfield. 


Additional Comments:
Volunteer submission - No relation to deceased.
*Posted in the 11 March 2005 edition - no specific death date given.

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