Virgil Lee Parsons

Virgil Lee Parsons III, 79, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, passed away peacefully at the Missouri Veterans home on April 26, 2026. He was a wonderful big brother to 8 siblings, a devoted husband and father, a doting grandfather, and a friend to many. He will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Virgil, better known as “Butch” by his family and friends was born on April 23, 1947 to Virgil and Juanita (Dowd) Parsons. He dedicated his life to his family, especially his grandchildren, and his passion for serving and helping others.

Virgil served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, with a posting in Germany. After his military service, he returned home and began a career as a car salesman before joining State Farm in 1980. State Farm took him many places, Cape Girardeau, Kennett, Dexter, Columbia and St. Louis, where he eventually retired in 2011. He returned to Southeast Missouri after retirement and took on one of the most selfless roles as a valet at the Southeast Hospital Cancer Center, serving others simply out of the kindness of his heart.

Outside of work, Virgil devoted himself to his grandchildren, generously giving them his time (and money). He shared a special bond with his eldest grandson, Tad, through their mutual love of sports, attending many games together and spending countless hours watching them on television. He never turned down the opportunity to play any board game they chose, and he always did everything he could to make his grandchildren happy.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 49 years (12 days shy of their 50th), Julia Parsons of Cape Girardeau, his son Andrew Parsons (Marisa) of London, England, his daughter Carrie Couch (Richard) of Cape Girardeau, his grandchildren Tad Couch, Kinley Couch, Milo Parsons, and Cora-Lynne Parsons.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Sharon Parsons, (Alec), Sheila Rhodes, Debbie Lusk (Lonnie), Mary Parsons, Ted Parsons (Randy), Jon Parsons (Cindy), and Louis Parsons (Michelle), and countless cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve Parsons.

A very special thanks to his friend, Debbie Goodier that stayed with Virgil the last night so his family could get some rest.

There will be a celebration of life for his family at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Veterans Home in Virgil’s memory.