| Notes |
Col. Robert King Parsons
Bob Parsons, of Shalimar, Florida, passed away September 12, 2011, surrounded by family.
Bob was born July 24, 1930 in Ripley, West Virginia, where he graduated from Ripley
High School. Following his high school graduation, he attended and graduated in 1952
with an engineering degree from West Virginia University, where he was a member of Air
Force ROTC and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.
Following his graduation from college, Bob began a distinguished career in the United
States Air Force, which included serving as fighter pilot, test pilot and numerous leadership
positions including wing commander.
From 1954 to 1962, he served as a tactical fighter pilot flying the F-86, F-100 and F-105
aircraft and also served as an instructor pilot and flight commander.
After attending the Experimental Test Pilot School followed by Space Class IV School at
Edwards Air Force Base in California in 1962, Bob tested all models of fighter aircraft and
participated in numerous Apollo Space Craft simulations for NASA until 1965.
From 1965 to 1969, Bob was the F-111 Joint Deputy for Operations at Edwards Air Force Base, during which period he
performed the first F-111 terrain - following supersonic flights and the first trans-Atlantic unrefueled crossing of a fighter
aircraft. At the 1967 Paris Air show, he piloted the F-111 in its first solo flight demonstration before a European audience.
From 1969 to 1970, Bob served in several leadership positions in Vietnam where he also flew 270 combat missions.
Following his Southeast Asia tour, Bob served in various leadership positions at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, and
Mountain Home Air Force Base, where he served as Wing Commander of the 366 Tactical Fighter Wing.
In September 1976, Bob assumed duty as Chief of Staff, USAF Tactical Air Warfare Center at Eglin Air Force Base in
Florida, where he retired in 1978. Among his numerous decorations are the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross,
and Bronze Star.
Following his Air Force career, Bob graduated in 1983 from the West Virginia University College of Law. After his
admission to the West Virginia and Florida Bars, Bob served as Assistance Attorney General for the West Virginia Water
Resources Board and then was appointed by the Governor of West Virginia to serve as Deputy Director of the West Virginia
Department of Natural Resources. Bob concluded his legal career with the law firm of Jackson Kelly in Charleston, West
Virginia, where he represented corporate clients in the natural resources industry in environmental matters. In recognition of
his distinguished careers, Bob was recognized as a Distinguished West Virginian by Governor Arch Moore.
After his legal career, Bob with his wife, Beverly, returned to Shalimar, Florida, where he was active in church and served a
term as Commodore of the Fort Walton Yacht Club.
Bob was an avid sportsman and particularly enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and cheering on his beloved West Virginia
University Mountaineer sports teams. Most importantly, however, he was most passionate about his children and
grandchildren.
Colonel Parsons was preceded in death by his parents, King and Madeline; sisters: Mollie Casto and Nancy Wilson.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly, and his children and step-children and their spouses and children, Charlie and
Cynthia Parsons (David and James); Kent Parsons (Brooke, Meredith, Hallel, Sierra and Graceson); Jeanette and Steve
Mathias (Stephanie and Eric); Tim and Belinda Parsons (Mallory and Emily); Lachlan and Kiann Macleay (Kooper and
Brynna); Douglas Macleay; and Carol and Henry Jablonski (Amanda and Kenneth). He is also survived by his first
wife, Ann Parsons.
Visitation is 6 to 8pm Thursday, September 22 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home. Memorial service is 10:30am, Friday,
September 23 at Shalimar United Methodist Church. Reception will follow at the Fort Walton Yacht Club. Burial will be at
Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the American Heart Association.
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West Virginia Pioneers
1930 - 2011 (81 years)
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