Memorial

Richard A. Parsons, 72, of Cedar Rapids passed away on Friday, July 24, 2020 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA. A livestream of the private funeral service can be viewed at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/94949093 on July 28 at 11:00 a.m.

Richard was born on April 10, 1948; the second of five children to Donald and Doris (Gleason)  Parsons in Cedar Rapids, IA.  Richard was a native of Cedar Rapids and graduated from Washington High School in 1966. 
 
After graduation Richard enlisted in the Army in 1967 and was trained in radar technology.  He served with the 25th Infantry Division in Vietnam in as a sergeant in an artillery battalion he performed in an officer’s role as a forward observer directing fire in combat operations. While coordinating artillery fire from atop an armored personnel carrier during a firefight  he was wounded in the knee by an enemy grenade. Disregarding his wound and refusing treatment, he continued directing fire into enemy positions which successfully ended the battle. Richard was wounded twice earning a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster. In a separate action he was also awarded the Bronze Star with “V” device for Valor.  Richard served 12 months in Vietnam where he was awarded two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and a Good Conduct Metal. He was honorably discharged on May 5, 1970.
 
Richard’s faith has always been important to him and he provided lay minister support to the Anamosa Prison through his church for 10 years.  
 
In his youth, Richard played baseball for the Dairy Queen team coached by his mother and his Uncle Whit.  He was on the wrestling team for 3 years in high school.
 
Richard has resided at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown, IA for the last 22 years. Richard participated in several activities and enjoyed ceramics, many of his creations he gifted to family members.  For several years he performed with the IVH Choir. He especially enjoyed the Christmas party performances during the holidays when families could attend.  You could hear him singing along with Chaplain Craig during unit devotions.  Richard enjoyed his friends at the Iowa Veteran’s Home who will miss him.  
 
Richard always looked forward to visits from family and especially his sisters.  He loved himself a DQ Buster Bar, Twizzlers licorice, Sprite/7up and going out to lunch.  
 
He was preceded in death by his fathers, Donald Parsons, Bruce Pflughaupt, his mother Doris Pflughaupt, and his sister Robinette. 
 
Left to cherish his memories are his son, John Parsons, sisters Ruth (Roger) Cooper, Cedar Rapids, IA, Kandi (Gary) Stake, St. John’s,  Florida, April (Dan) Dietrich, Marion Ia, Shaun (Bruce) Kealey, Rogers,  MN,  and Tracy (Dean) Jandik, Robins, IA. Many nephews and nieces.  
 
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any memorial contribution be made in his name to the Cedar Rapids VFW.