Thomas J. Parson, age 91, died on March 19, 2026 at Monument Health Home + Hospice House in Rapid City. Thomas was born December 26, 1934 in Finatt, Illinois, the son of Thomas and Jeanne (Pilgrim) Parson.

Tom entered the Unites States Air Force on January 14, 1954 and retired on June 1, 1977. During his tenure in the Air Force he was stationed with the 307th Bomb Wing at Lincoln AFB, Lincoln, Nebraska; the 389th and the 90th Strategic Missile Wings at F.E. Warren AFB, Cheyenne, Wyoming; the 455th Strategic Missile Wing at Minot AFB, North Dakota; the 44th Strategic Missile Wing Ellsworth AFB, Rapid City, South Dakota; and the 321st Strategic Missile Wing at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota. He also spent a year in Southeast Asia in 1972-1973 with the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing and the 432nd Tactical Fighter Wing. While stationed at Lincoln AFB, Tom met the girl of his dreams. He and Pauline (Lori) Schmidt were married on January 7, 1956. After retiring from the Air Force, Tom worked for Rockwell International and The Boeing Company for 20 years as Technical Representative for the Minuteman II and Minuteman III Missile systems at F.E. Warren, Ellsworth, and Minot Air Force Bases.

Survivors include daughters Lorilynn (Thomas) Hahn of Sheridan, Wyoming, and Yvonne (Brian) Gour of Littleton, Colorado; son, Thomas (Melanie Karp) Parson of Rapid City, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Lori and his daughter Aimee (John) Pister of Kief, North Dakota.

Tom was a lifetime member of many organizations associated with his military career. He also held many offices within various levels of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Rapid City, South Dakota. He was also an active member of the Honor Guard for VFW Post 1273.

Memorial services and interment at Black Hills National Cemetery are being planned and will be announced.