Richard Parsons, 78, of Osage Beach, Mo., and formerly of Mendota, died Oct. 15, 2008, in Ozark Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Osage Beach, Mo. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, with the Rev. Dale Peterson officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota, with military rites by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4079. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until time of service in the funeral home. He was born April 16, 1931, in Aurora to Richard J. and Irene (Kessinger) Parsons. He married Joyce Merritt who preceded him in death. He then married JoAnne Parsons who also preceded him in death. He served in the Army in the Korean War. He is survived by six sons, Jerry Parsons of Mendota, Ron Parsons of Missouri, Mike Parsons of Rockford, Ron Parsons of Peru, Rick Parsons of Springfield and Brian Parsons of La Salle; three daughters, Tracy Presthus of Missouri, Melissa Parsons of Ottawa and Paulette Parsons of Arizona; and 17 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by both wives; and one son. Memorials may be directed to the donor's choice.