Rt. Rev. Donald J. Parsons

Born March 28, 1922 in Philadelphia, PA the son of Earl and Helen Drabble Parsons, he married Mary September 17, 1955 in Milwaukee, WI. She preceded him in death in 1998. His sister Marian and one brother Earl H. also preceded him.

Surviving are two daughters, Mary Helen Parsons and her husband Frank Buckler of Park City UT, Rebecca Jane Parsons of Seattle WA, one son, Bradford George MacDonald Parsons and his wife Dyanne of St Paul, MN, four grandchildren, and one brother, William Parsons and his wife Marjorie of Philadelphia PA.

Bishop Parsons completed his BA at Temple University in Philadelphia and a ThB, ThM and ThD at The Divinity School. He continued post doctoral studies at the University of Nottingham in England, received an Honorary DD from The Divinity School of Philadelphia and Doctor of Canon Law from Nashotah House at Nashotah WI. Following ordination to the priesthood October 6, 1946 he served as assistant priest at Holy Trinity Church, Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, Emmanuel Church, Wilmington DE and Rector of St. Peter’s Church, Smyrna DE. Bishop Parsons continued his ministry at Nashotah House in 1950 serving in many positions including Professor of New Testament and Dean and President from 1963 to 1973. Bishop Parsons was consecrated September 8, 1973, serving the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy in Illinois until his retirement in 1988. He continued to serve God and his people by establishing a medical and dental clinic and teaching seminary in Haiti, as an adjunct professor at Bradley University, and Professor Emeritus at Nashotah House. Later he served as Assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Springfield. Bishop Parsons authored three books on Christian Spirituality and has been Episcopal Visitor for St. Gregory’s Abbey in Michigan and the All Saints Sisters of the Poor in Maryland.

Funeral services will be Saturday Jan. 9, 2016 at 3 p.m. at St Paul Episcopal Church in Pekin, IL. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Requiem Mass and inurnment will be at Nashotah House, Nashotah, Wisconsin, on Thursday Jan. 14, 2016 at 1 p.m.

Memorials may be made to The Bishop Donald J. Parsons Scholarship fund at Nashotah House.

Please view Bishop Parsons obituary online at www.davison-fulton.com