Bud Parsons of Paris, Arkansas, died Sunday, January 8, 2023, at Fianna Hills Nursing & Rehab Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. He was born on October 7, 1933, in Logan County near Paris to the late William Joe Parsons and Ayrie M. (Drewry) Parsons. He was 89 years old. He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Cynthia Parsons; and two brothers, Audie Lee Parsons and William H. "Dub" Parsons.

Chester Lamoine "Bud" Parsons was raised in a family full of love with his parents and siblings.  His life was truly one of service.  He was a son, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and any other role he could fill.  Last but not least, he was a Korean War veteran in the U.S. Army.  He was proud yet humble.  He was a man of strength, compassion, and empathy toward all around him.  He had a way that could always make you laugh or smile.  One of the highlights of his life was camping with his girls and family.  He would share so many memories of this time.  He enjoyed fishing…. we enjoyed his big fish stories.  He could train a dog to retrieve the same rock from underwater just as easily as he could teach them to sit.  From Prince to Chico to Cricket and any others in between.

Bud served his community in Paris, Arkansas, as Santa Claus for 12 years.  His kindness and compassion for the children was beyond measure.  During this time he saw well over 17,000 children and adults. He helped keep the Christmas spirit and hope alive for so many.  The children touched his heart and blessed him in return.  This truly was his favorite time of year.

While this transition in life will not be easy, those of us who have been touched by him will keep his memory alive.  We are grateful to have been blessed with his love, strength, and courage in every moment we shared.  We love you!  God Speed!

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 14th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Paris, with Pastor Jeremy Jones officiating. Burial with military honors will be at McVay Cemetery in Carbon City, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home in Paris.

He is survived by two daughters, Dora Baker and husband Rick of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Janell Staggs and husband Jerry of Fort Smith; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; three adopted daughters, Shantala Parsons of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Misty Carney of Van Buren, and Kyla Daws and husband Toby of Fort Smith; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren (total of thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren); two sisters, Juanita Curtis of Napa, California, and Nadine Jacques of Paris; and a brother, Larry Parsons and wife Martha of Ozark.

Pallbearers are Clayton Law, Dusty Baker, Joel Parsons, Marvin Chase, Austin Daws, and Lee Cooper.

The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home in Paris.

To place an online tribute, please visit www.brothertonbrothersfuneralhomes.com.