PARSONS, Charles Edgar: 1896-1926

PARSONS, WALKER, STRAIT, DAVIS

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 9/12/2013 at 05:10:38

Obituary of C.E. Parsons
**Handwritten: 1926

Charles Edgar Parsons, the youngest child of Alexander K. and Frances E. Walker Parsons, was born near Keosauqua, Van Buren county, Iowa, April 15, 1896. There he grew to manhood, attending school at Keosauqua and at the country school south of Douds. His whole life was spent on a farm, with the exception of about two years, during which time he had work in Ottumwa.

Charles Parsons was a hard working man, always in favor wherever he was employed. His ready wit and jovial disposition won him a host of friends.

Charles joined the Lebanon M.E. church when a boy fifteen years old. He was active in Sunday school and Epworth League work. Later he drifted away from the church. During his final sickness he came back and found great joy in a renewed experience. Thoroughly reconciled to the Master he died in triumphant faith. Charles suffered much during the months of his sickness. While employed in construction work on the new Y.W.C.A. building in Ottumwa, bricks fell on him from the wall. This accident was the beginning of about two years of intense suffering. He underwent eight operations. Through it all he was patient. Death came to his relief at St. Joseph hospital, Ottumwa, on June 11, 1926. He was aged 30 years, 1 month and 26 days.

Mr. Parsons is survived by his mother, Mrs. A.K. Parsons of Keosauqua; four sisters, Miss Etta at home; Miss Mary of Mt. Pleasant; Mrs. Belle Strait of Keosauqua; and Mrs. Nellie Davis of Ottumwa. Two brothers, George of Keosauqua; and W.G., of Ottumwa.

Charles was a member of Custer Lodge No. 381, I.O.O.F., at Douds and Yeomen of Ottumwa. Just previous to his sickness he had taken the rank of Page in Starlight Lodge No. 300, K. of P., of Douds.

The funeral was held at the mother's home south of Douds on Monday, June 14. The service was conducted by Rev. L.H. Lanning, pastor of the Willard St. M.E. church of Ottumwa, assisted by Rev. W.J. Hamilton of Douds. The Douds male quartet sang. Interment was made in the Mt. Moriah cemetery, Custer Lodge I.O.O.F. having charge at the grave.
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We wish to thank our many friends for their kindness during recent our bereavement, also for the beautiful flowers.

Mrs. A.K. Parsons and Family.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 243, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA