R. Kent Parsons

Kent Parsons

Monroe, Utah

Our sweetheart, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, R. Kent Parsons, 82, left his earthly home on February 7, 2015 at 12:07 a.m. at home, surrounded by his loving family. Kent was born May 10, 1932 in Monroe to Marva E. Nielson and Aaron Earl Parsons. He attended Monroe schools and graduated from SSHS in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Connie Rae Morrison, May 4, 1951 in the Manti LDS Temple.

Kent attended the University of Utah for a short time and was a member of the U of U marching band. He performed in a football game in Boise, Idaho. Later he returned home where he farmed with his father, and had 100 head of ewes with grazing permits for the Monroe Mountain. He and his father built a cabin on Monroe Mountain, his greatest love for relaxation. He purchased 20 acres of farm land from John Magleby, but later gave up farming and went full time for the U of U as a television field engineer. He was able to do this work and live in Monroe. He was employed with them for 37 years.

Kent was a pioneer in bringing television to rural Utah. He did consulting work in many western states. Kent was a man of hard work and integrity, always putting people and services first. He served as vice president of the National Translator Association for many years, making many trips to Washington D.C. in behalf of television translators that serves rural America.

Kent was also elected to the Sevier School District Board of Education for three different terms, also serving on the Trade Tech Board of Education with DeWayne Washburn.

A member of the Monroe Lions Club for approximately 20 years, Kent also served as the president.

Kent as an active member of the LDS Church, serving as Scout Master. For many years he worked as a ward clerk under two different bishops.

Kent loved his family and was proud of each one. He liked having his sons and grandsons carry on with the television work.

Kent is survived by his wife, Connie; daughter, Cynda Lou; sons: Mauri (Tamera), Johnny (Kari), all of Monroe; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Rhea Duffin, and brother-in-law, David Dastrup.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Lee Dastrup; brother-in-law, Leland Duffin.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 12, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in the Monroe 5 ^th Ward Chapel, 140 South Main. Friends may call Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield and Thursday morning at the ward chapel in Monroe from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Monroe City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.