Johnny "John" Parson

Johnny Deems “John” Parson, 91, of Chambersburg, passed away on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at the Williamsport Home in Williamsport, PA.
Born on March 6, 1932 in Willow Hill, John was a son of the late Charles and Ethel Runk Parson. He served his country with the U.S. Army and then earned his B.S. in Accounting from Shippensburg University, graduating with the class of 1958. John was employed with the former United Telephone Company, as Director of Marketing and business development. He then joined Sentry Trust, where he served as Executive Vice President until his retirement.
John had a long history of community service with volunteer leadership positions, including serving on the boards of Chambersburg Hospital, YMCA, Quincy United Methodist Home, Chambersburg United Way, CASD Foundation and Salvation Army. John served as a member and past president, of the Chambersburg, Regional, National, Kiwanis Club. A true gentleman and always eager to serve, many may still remember former Chambersburg Mayor, Bob Morris proclaiming the day of July 8, 1983 as “John Parson Day.”
John and Bunny were faithful members of First United Methodist Church. Together they lead several Sunday School Classes. John founded and chaired the Financial Endowment Fund.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Elizabeth “Bunny” Metzler Parson, whom he married on October 23, 1954; three daughters, Sharon (Keith) Atherholt of Montoursville, Deborah (Brett Koontz) Scalia of Chambersburg, and Donna (Troy) Knott of York; sisters, Floretta (Donald) Deardorff, and Ronda Rodgers, all of Chambersburg. They have five grandchildren, Nicholesha (Shawn) Monahan, Lauren (Chad) Piersol, Anna Marie Scalia, Christian John (Blair) Atherholt Alesia (Mike) Duffee; and six Great grandchildren, Sawyer, Jonathan, Waylon Deems, Callen, Liliana, and Beau. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Donnie, Eugene, Rodger and one sister Violet Coffman.
A memorial service to honor John’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, April 22, in First United Methodist Church, 225 S. Second St. Chambersburg, with Pastor Steven Livermore and Chaplain Ray Kauffman officiating. Immediately following the service there will be an informal luncheon to gather with family and friends in the church Fellowship Hall.
A private graveside service will be held in Norland Cemetery, with military honors conducted by members of Charles Nitterhouse VFW Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 225 S. Second St. Chambersburg, PA 17201. Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, Chambersburg.