Robert L. Parsons' Obituary
Big Rapids - Dr. Robert L. "Bob" Parsons, 70, of Big Rapids, was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 3, 2014. Bob graduated from Clarkston High School, and Michigan State University, where he earned his Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD degrees. While at MSU, Bob married Nancy J. Jennings, his high school sweetheart. He worked as a campus police officer, and as well as in the office of Governor William Milliken. In 1972, he came to Big Rapids to create the Criminal Justice Program at Ferris State College. The program under his direction became nationally recognized, and is the largest degree program on campus and off, and he was also instrumental in bringing grants to the program. Dr. Parsons retired from Ferris in 2002 after 30 years of service. During his career Bob achieved the level of seventh degree black belt in Karate. He taught Korean style martial arts for many years and had organized clubs at MSU and Ferris, and his passion for the martial arts continued into retirement. Bob assisted law enforcement agencies around the country as an expert witness in police procedures and use of force. He also worked with Meijer Corporation to develop their companywide Loss Prevention Program. In retirement he was active in missionary work through the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church. Special areas of interest were trips to Haiti, starting the Hope Garden with his wife, and assisting with children's' ministry. Bob was a member of the MSU Alumi Association and was honored by them with placement of his name on their Wall of Fame for his lifetime achievement in Criminal Justice. Ferris State University honored Bob by naming their firearm training range after him. Everyone who knew Bob knew that he considered his own greatest achievement as being a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Bob is survived by his loving wife, Nancy, two children; son, John Parsons of North Carolina, daughter, Julie (Jeff) VanderWiere of Schoolcraft, three grandchildren, Megan, Bryce and Jaden. Also surviving is an uncle, Richard Lorenz, brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph Jennings, Robert Jennings, Jeffrey and Denise Jennings, Edward and Kerry Jennings plus many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service for Bob will be at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2014 at the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Morrison officiating. His family will greet friends from 3-6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, and beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Rapids First United Methodist Church (BRFUMC), designated for Hope Garden or Haiti Missions.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?