A Celebration of Life services for David Lee Parrott, 81, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 1, 2024, at the Langston Street Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the service.
Mr. Parrott passed away at 12:44 a.m., Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Brooke Haven Healthcare.
He was born April 23, 1943, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Lehman and Sylvia Williams Parrott. He was married to Loretta (Letty) Anderson Parrott on June 5, 1965, in which they shared 58 beautiful years together. David grew up in St. Louis where he graduated from Webster Groves High School in 1961. Having a great love for his country, David enlisted in the United States Army in June 1961, serving until June 1964. During his time in the Army, he served at the world headquarters in Arlington, VA and the Pentagon. He was also stationed in Okinawa for 16 months. In 1978 David and his wife, Letty, moved their three children to Letty’s hometown of West Plains. It was here that they owned and operated His Place Family Restaurant for two years. David had a gift for playing the piano and greatly enjoyed entertaining his patrons with patriotic and gospel hymns. After selling the restaurant, he attended the Highway Patrol Basic Law Enforcement Academy in Jefferson City and worked as a West Plains Police Officer from 1981 to 1983. A career change was in store and he began working as a funeral director at Robertson Drago Funeral Home until 1993. He went on to work for Woodmen of the World Insurance Society until his retirement in 2004.
His love for community was evidenced in his involvement in the American Red Cross, West Plains Chamber of Commerce, the Lion’s Club, Kiwanis Club, former President of the West Plains High School Booster Club, and support chaplain for the Women’s Auxiliary during the 1990-91 Gulf War. He was a proud member of the American Legion and Honor Guard. David also served as a greeter and usher at First Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church. He enjoyed fishing, water skiing, playing the piano, traveling in his RV and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Letty of West Plains, Missouri; son, Brian Parrott and wife, Diane of Gamaliel, Arkansas; son, Clark Parrott and wife Michele, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; daughter, Laurel Parrott Driscoll and husband, Bill of Tecumseh, Missouri; grandchildren, Jennifer Driscoll Strickland and husband, Jeff of Springfield, Missouri; Jordan Parrott Stout and husband, Klayton of Peculiar, Missouri; Zach Harper and wife. Ashley of Branson, Missouri; Natalie Parrott Jarrell and husband, Taylor of Dexter, Missouri; Dillon Harper of West Plains, Missouri; Hunter Parrott and wife, Shania of Ballwin, Missouri; and Jacob Harper of West Plains, Missouri; thirteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; his brothers-in-law, Perry Dickey and wife, Ila, Anderson Dickey, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Lyle Anderson and wife, Peggy of Louisville, Kentucky.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Lehman and Sylvia Williams Parrott; his in laws, Basil and Doris Anderson and his brother and sister-in-law Bob and Eula Anderson Rowden.
Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Military Honor Guard and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
