Donald "Donnie" Robert Parson Sr.

Donald “Donnie” Robert Parson Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was a life-long resident of Morgan County.

Donnie was born October 14, 1940 at home in Paragon, to his parents, the late Donald and Louise (Green) Parson. He married Mary “Marlene” McKee on January 5, 1963 in Gainsboro, Tennessee and together they shared 48 loving years before her passing in 2011.

Donnie retired as a welder at Arvin Automotive after 40 years of dedicated service.

A huge racing fan, Donnie especially loved dirt racing—his favorite being dirt late models. If he wasn’t at a race or watching Flo Racing, Donnie would be found spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Donnie also loved socializing with friends and, as he liked to say, “exercising his elbow.”

Donnie is survived by his son Donnie (Laurie) Parson Jr. of Martinsville; daughter-in-law, Cindy Parson of Trafalgar; grandchildren: Jeana (Bridgett) Mykelti, Kyle (Logan) Parson, Caleb (Chelsey) Parson, Casey (Ashlee) Parson; step-grandchildren, Logan Maxwell and Lindsey Dalton; great grandchildren: Isaac, Austin, Colt, Chloe, Everett, Coan, Caleb, Wrenley and Adalynn Parson; sisters, Virginia Perry of Brown County and Judy (Steve) Crider of Florida; and sisters-in-law Rayjean Parson of Columbus and Karen Parson of Martinsville.

Donnie was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Marlene Parson; son, James “Rusty” Parson; siblings, Joyce Kemp, Sheron Elkins, Patty Arnold, Sue Ellis, Lewis Parson, William "Bill" Parson, Barbara Parson, Richard Parson, Johnny Parson, Jimmie Parson, Mary Lou Casey & an infant sister.

Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29th at Meredith-Clark Funeral Home: 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown. Pastor Darrel Ewing will conduct a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery in Martinsville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Donnie to the American Cancer Society: PO Box 681405 Indianapolis, IN 46268.

Condolences may be sent to the family at meredith-clark.com.

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