Submitted by: Dan Rich
April 15, 1921 - Feb. 11, 2008
South Bend Tribune 2/13/2008
SOUTH BEND - Dr. Robert L. Parsons,
86, a well-known orthopedic surgeon, died February 11, 2008, in
Hospice House, South Bend. Dr. Parsons was born April 15, 1921,
in Fayette City, PA, to Harry and Virginia Parsons.
He married Elizabeth Jane McCrea on
June 29, 1946, in Philadelphia, PA. "Betty" Parsons
died on September 20, 2006, after 60 years of marriage. Dr.
Parsons graduated from West Virginia University in 1942 with A.B.
and B.S. degrees. He received his M.D. degree from the Medical
College of Virginia in 1945. His internship was completed at
Presbyterian Hospital in Philadelphia in 1946, which is where he
met Betty, who was a head nurse. He served his country as a 1st
lieutenant in the Navy from 1946 to 1948. He completed his
residency in orthopedic surgery at the Veterans Administration
Hospital in Cleveland, OH, from 1948 to 1952.
Dr. Parsons came to South Bend to practice
orthopedic surgery in 1952. He regarded the opportunity and
ability to practice medicine and care for his patients as an
honor and a privilege. It was one of the great loves of his life,
which he proved by being available to his patients day and night,
every day of the week. He was a member of the American Medical
Association, St. Joseph County Medical Society, Indiana State
Medical Society and the American College of Surgeons. He served
as the chief of the orthopedic staff at Memorial Hospital and was
also a member of the Christian Medical Society. Dr. Parsons had
been a member of the First Presbyterian Church in South Bend
since 1952. He served in many capacities including usher, deacon,
elder and member of the session. He also served many years on the
board of Camp Ray Bird Missions. Dr. Parsons was a longtime
member of the Kiwanis Club of South Bend where he served on the
board of directors. He was a member of the Flying Physicians and
enjoyed over 20 years flying as a private pilot. He was also an
avid tennis player and consistently won the "Nice Guy"
trophy from his fellow players. As a devoted baseball fan, Dr.
Parsons at first followed the White Sox, but ultimately joined
the ranks of long-suffering Cubs fans, sharing their highs and
lows each baseball season. Dr. Parsons was, above all, a
consummate gentleman. He was a dedicated physician, known for his
caring and courteous manner. Those who worked with him over his
many years consistently referenced his polite and considerate
interactions with colleagues and patients. It was typical for
former patients to see him on the street or in restaurants and
thank him for the care he had provided them. His family will
greatly miss his kindness, caring and sense of fun. His presence
at family gatherings created many happy memories for his children
and grandchildren.
Dr. Parsons is survived by his three
daughters, Faith (Timothy) Alford, St. Petersburg Beach,
FL, Sue (John) Shirrell, Granger, and Pamela (Doug) Callantine,
Abington, PA; as well as five grandchildren, Lindsay (Mike) O'Reilly,
Cherry Hill, NJ, Darcey Callantine, Blue Bell, PA, Duncan
Callantine, New York, N.Y., Jason (Kristin) Shirrell, Fishers,
IN, and Jeffrey (Tierney) Shirrell, Indianapolis.
A celebration of Dr. Parsons' life will be
held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 17, 2008, in the First
Presbyterian Church, 333 W. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, with Dr.
David Morrow officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the
services. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First
Presbyterian Church, Camp Ray Bird or to the Hospice House, 111
Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637. Palmer Funeral
Home-Guisinger Chapel, South Bend, is in charge of arrangements.