Frederick L. Parsons

Fred L. Parsons, 84 passed away on September 16, 2023 at the Charlevoix Area Hospital. A memorial mass will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey, Michigan on September 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

Frederick LeRoy Parsons was born January 28, 1939 in Pontiac Michigan to Fred Earl Parsons and Meta M Fritz Parsons

He graduated from Pontiac Senior High School June 1956 and went to work as a machinist apprentice until enlisting in the United States Navy on April 7, 1958.

During his military service he was stationed on both the east and west coasts and had many many sea stories to share of those tours.  July 13, 1962 he was released from active duty and five years later, July 17, 1967 he enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves in  Alpena, Michigan.  He returned to active duty from 1970 to 1971, transferring back to the Naval Reserves as a machinery repairman 1st class and began drilling at the reserve center in Cadillac, Michigan.    December 31, 1993 at the Decommissioning of the reserve center, he retired as a CWO4.  At that time he had the assignment of Commanding Officer Ships Repair Facility; Reserve Detachment 113 Yokosuka, Japan. Fred traveled the world throughout these times and would talk for hours of the different things he had seen and done there.  Some of his military honors include:  Meritorious Service Medal; Unit Citation; U.S.N. Good Conduct; as well as multiple Naval Reserve Meritorious Medals; National Defense Medals; and 3 Ten-year Naval Reserve medals.

July 21, 1975 he married the love of his life, Letha Pauline Pelletier Smith and stepped into the role of dad for her two daughters, Joni and Lori.  

Fred enjoyed shooting sports, hunting, fishing, community involvement and most of all his  family. He thoroughly enjoyed volunteering to help with scouting and school field trips and found great enjoyment watching his daughters participate in the Petoskey High School marching band events as well as watching his six grandsons in soccer, football and hockey.  He was a lifetime member of Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club. He spent countless hours volunteering every year as the Range Safety Officer, and Hunter Safety Instructor.  He was exceptionally gifted and passionate about assisting sportsmen of all ages with the annual rifle sight in. Fred was also a member of the National Rifle Association, the American Legion and the National Republican Committee.  At the time of his passing, Fred held the office of Vice Chairperson for the Charlevoix County Veteran’s Affairs Council.  He was also an active member of St Francis Xavier Parish, Petoskey MI.  

In addition to serving his country through his military service, Fred willingly served his local community too.  He was a Captain, and Safety Officer, serving in the Charlevoix Township Fire Department for over 20 years. He also served Hayes Township as a Zoning Administrator, a Trustee, and Supervisor throughout the years.

Fred never quit learning and most recently had made the decision to work on completing a college degree in politics and/or history.   He also loved to share his knowledge with all, requested or not. As all his grandsons will attest, those infamous “2 hour lectures” sure will be missed…

He is preceded in death by his parents, his two half-brothers: Earl George Lewis and Daniel R. Lewis and son-in-law, Gregg Raymond Hosler.  

He is survived by his wife, Letha; daughters Joni Elaine Hosler (Eric P Denoyer) of Charlevoix Michigan and Lori Ann P Laurita (Michael) of Lakewood, Colorado.  Grandchildren: Erik Hosler, Vincent Laurita (Lexi), Adam Hosler, Antonio Laurita, Luciano Laurita and David Hosler.  Great granddaughter: Ophelia Fae Hosler.  Goddaughters: Tara Sterzik of Moody Alabama and Jamie Oliver (Josh) of Petoskey Michigan.  Fred will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a great number of friends he considered to be family; including neighbors, co-workers, firefighters and shipmates.

As Brenda Willson from the Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club recently said “The light in this world will be forever a little less bright.  That man was a gentle soul, and had a laugh that made a room come to life. The gun club will never be the same without Fred.  His service to this country and to the people around him was immeasurable.  If you knew Fred, you were blessed.”    

Those wishing to make a charitable donation in Fred's memory are asked by family to consider is St. Francis Xavier School of Petoskey, Michigan and the Charlevoix Rod and Gun Club

A memorial mass will be at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey, Michigan on September 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 AM.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home, Inc.

The Watch

For twenty years
This sailor has stood the watch

While some of us were in our bunks at night
This sailor stood the watch

While some of us were in school learning our trade
This shipmate stood the watch

Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world
This shipmate stood the watch

In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history
This shipmate stood the watch

Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there
Needing his guidance and help
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times
But he still stood the watch

He stood the watch for twenty years
He stood the watch so that we, our families and
Our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, Each and every night
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch

Today we are here to say
'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved
Relieved by those You have trained ,Guided, and Led
Shipmate you stand relieved.. we have the watch..."

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Frederick L. Parsons, please visit our floral store.