Donald Edward Parsons

Donald E Parsons died on February 4, 2026 after living a long and full life. Don was a gentle, caring man, he lived simply and gratefully.

Growing up in west Louisville, Don lived through the 1937 flood. He was given a tennis racket at age seven, and learned to play in Chickasaw Park. Don rode his bicycle to the courts with his beloved dog, Nibs, in the bicycle basket. He developed a passion for tennis which lasted all his life. He was active with the Kentucky Tennis Association and won numerous tournaments, some with his daughter Cathy. At one time they held a mixed doubles state ranking. Don won a Senior Olympian medal, a highlight of his tennis life.

Don bravely and honorably served his country in the Army during the Korean War. He never spoke much about this, but always donned with pride his “Korean War Veteran” hat.

Don loved making friends. He had lasting friendships from all his life experiences. All his friends cared deeply for him. He especially loved playing chess and developed many friendships from his Tuesday visits to Panera Bread where he played for years. Don loved reading and would share stories and articles that he enjoyed and found interesting. He loved animals, particularly dogs.

Above all, Don loved “his three girls” and consistently shared his love and gratitude for them. He shared his pride for them with everyone he met often saying “they were the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Don went to Male High and graduated from University of Louisville. However, he began his baccalaureate education at Indiana University and was a devoted IU fan. Don and his daughter Donna, also an IU grad, shared their love for the University. Don’s daughter Julia lived in Vail, Colorado for many years and he would visit her there. It was rare to see Don wearing anything but a “Vail” or an “IU” sweatshirt.

He had a long career at LG&E, before he managed Louisville Indoor Racquet Club, then worked for the State of Kentucky in Frankfort and retired from The Louisville Fire Department after serving as Business Manager. Don loved to work and appreciated the benefits. After retiring he continued to work several jobs, the last one delivering Coffee News around town. Don had friends at every stop on his route who adored him and looked forward to his visit each week. He loved this job and the people he worked for were his lasting friends.

Don is predeceased by parents Edgar and Helen Parsons, sister Helen Parsons Murphy, his first wife and mother of their daughters, Julia Mason Towles.

He is survived by his daughters, Donna Parsons Frank (Jeff), Julia Parsons, Cathy Parsons Leis (Tom), four grandchildren; Audrey Leis, Evan Frank (Erin Kyle), Marshall Leis (Brooke King) and Mason Frank (Marie Gorsuch), four great grandchildren; Jaxen and Xayden Gossom, Forrest Leis and Elsie Frank, nephew Terry Murphy, nieces Diane Murphy and Carla Murphy Wolf (Tom), and many loving friends. We will all miss him very much.

Visitation will be from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals, and Receptions, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive). A service to celebrate Don's life will take place after the visitation at 2:00 pm, with burial following at Hillcrest Cemetery in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Animal Care Society, 12207 Westport Rd, Louisville KY 40245. To leave a memory of Don or a condolence for the family, please use the "Guest Book" option below.