TOM PARSONS

Thomas Ira Parsons, 58, of Columbia died on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at his home.

A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on October 24, 2011 at the home he built in southern Boone County. Tom was born December 7, 1952 in Hugoton, Kansas. He moved to Columbia in 1972.

He is survived by his wife, Bridget Early, formerly of Baring; his three children, Travis Parsons of Austin, Texas, Arianna Parsons of Las Cruces, N.M. and Samuel Parsons of Columbia; his grandson, Adkian Parsons of Austin; his mother, Mirian Wainman of Moberly his sister and brother in law, Pam and Dean Holman of Moberly, and his brother, Brian Parsons of Omaha, Nebraska, nieces and nephews and his faithful dog, Moses. He was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.

Tom’s memory will resonate in the beautiful wood and tile work he has done throughout the community and in the written works he has left behind, both finished and unfinished. His novel, “Little Mun,” was published in 2009. “Cash and Athena” will be published by the end of the year.

All who knew Tom knew that his family, laughter and story-telling came before anything else in his life. His many travels, easy style of making friends and love of scuba diving enriched his life and writing.