Gary Allen Parkison, 73, of Springfield, passed away on May 16, 2024.  Gary was born on July 13, 1950, in Walnut Grove, to Glen and Freda (Stepp) Parkison.

Gary graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1968, and then attended Southwest Missouri State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics.  Gary served in the Missouri National Guard for six years.  Following graduation, he began his career at City Utilities of Springfield, working primarily in the Information Technology department where he wrote and supported computer programs to assist with the operation of the utility.  He retired in 2003 after nearly 30 years at CU.

Gary loved spending time with his family, golfing with his sons, watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and working on wood projects with his hands.  Gary lived most of his life in Walnut Grove, where he was born, grew up, and raised his family.  He surrendered his life to Jesus at a young age and was a long-time member at Eudora Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as the church treasurer for over 20 years.  He and Judy had been members at Seminole Baptist in Springfield for the past nine years.

Gary played slow-pitch softball for many years in Springfield.  During college, he helped his father build houses.  This led to developing his woodworking skills and to becoming a collector of wooden planes.  He was a long-time member of the Mid-West Tool Collector Association.  He served on the board and as President of the Greene Lawn Cemetery board for several years.

On December 5, 1980, Gary Parkison and Judith (Judy) Vest were united in marriage and spent 43 wonderful years together.  They were blessed with two children and six grandchildren.

Gary is survived by his wife, Judy Parkison; sons Jeff (Kim) of Springfield, Kevin (Shylena) of Rogersville; sister, Glenda Parkison of Walnut Grove, and an uncle who was like a brother, Darrell "Diz" Stepp of Walnut Grove; grandchildren, Zianna Parkison, Kiyia Parkison, Hattie Parkison, Hudson Parkison, Harper Parkison, and Henley Parkison; brother-in-law, John Vest (Donna); nieces, Becky, Joni, and Jamie; along with many cousins and other family.

Gary is preceded in death by his father Glen Parkison; mother Freda (Stepp) Parkison; his father-in-law and mother-in-law Ralph and Betty Vest.

Visitation: 9:00 am – 11:00 am, May 24th at Seminole Baptist Temple in Springfield.

Funeral Services: 11:00 am, May 24th at Seminole Baptist Temple in Springfield.

Graveside/Burial Service: 3:00 pm, May 24th at Greene Lawn Cemetery in Walnut Grove.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the summer camp scholarship funds at Northside Christian Church or Seminole Baptist Temple and may be left with the funeral home.