RIP Chuck Parsons

 

Charles Norman Parsons

July 22, 1940 – August 1, 2025

A Texan by choice, Charles Norman Parsons, known affectionately as “Chuck” to friends and family, was born on a farm near Laurens, Iowa on July 23, 1940. He peacefully went to be in the loving arms of the Lord on Friday August 1, 2025.

Chuck was the only son and second child of William Thomas and Vera Leona (Parker) Parsons. A sister, Wilma Leona, born June 29, 1937, was tragically killed in an automobile accident near Marathon, Iowa on September 14, 1946.

A 1958 graduate of Fairmont High School, Chuck went on to attend the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education and later pursued graduate studies.

From 1965-1973 Chuck taught beginning French at Washington Junior High School in Racine, Wisconsin. In 1973, he began his career in school administration, securing his first principal position in Barrett, Minnesota. Over the next two decades, he held several leadership roles, including Principal, Athletic Director, and Director of Transportation for the Black Hawk Schools in South Wayne, Wisconsin. Chuck found great joy and purpose in both teaching and his work in school administration, where he touched countless lives with his passion and dedication.

After retiring from school administration, Chuck found great joy in researching and writing about Old West history and its fascinating personalities. He was known for his column, “The Answer Man” in True West Magazine. In addition, he served as editor of both the newsletter and quarterly journal of the National Association for Outlaw and Lawman History (NOLA), an organization devoted to the proliferation of accurate information and authentication of the history of outlaws and lawmen of the Old West.

Chuck was a proud and prolific award-winning author. His published works include Captain John R. Hughes: Lone Star Ranger (winner of the WWHA Best Book Award); The Sutton-Taylor Feud; John B. Armstrong: Texas Ranger, Pioneer Rancher; Captain L.H. McNelly, Texas Ranger; Bowen and Hardin; and Clay Allison: Portrait of a Shootist. He is the co-author of A Lawless Breed: John Wesley Hardin, Texas Reconstruction, Violence in the Wild West, The Notorious Luke Short: Sporting Man of the Wild West, and Texas Ranger N.O. Reynolds.

Chuck contributed countless articles and book reviews to a wide array of historical publications. At the time of his passing, he was working on a manuscript entitled Matt Woodlief: Texas Gambler-Gunfighter.

Over the years, Chuck was an active and devoted member of numerous organizations including the English Westerners Society, Caldwell County Historical Commission, OklahombreS, the Texas State Historical Association, and the Wild West History Association. Through his research, writing, and active participation in these organizations, he formed lasting friendships and leaves behind many cherished friends he met along the way.

Chuck was first married to Aileen Marie Heskett. Together, they welcomed two sons: Anthony Charles Parsons, born February 23, 1964, and Timothy Jay Parsons, born July 18, 1966. Tony married Natalie Johnson on June 18, 1994. Tim married Tammi Joy Peart on September 5, 1992. Tim and Tammi Parsons are the proud parents of Ethan Andrew Parsons, and Ruby Bleu Parsons.

Chuck was married to the love of his life, Patricia Dean Baker, on June 4, 2006. Through this union, Pat brought two beloved children into Chuck’s life. A son, Joel Todd Kattner, and a daughter, Angelica Christine Esparza.

Chuck is survived by his loving wife, Pat Parsons; his sons, Tony and Tim; and his stepchildren, Joel and Angie, and her husband, Joey. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren, Ethan Parsons and wife Megan; Ruby Bleu Parsons; Alexander Gregson Salas; Abraham Elijah Salas; Anthony Miguel Salas; Adrian Xavier Salas; and Alfonso (AJ) Jose Esparza, and 2 great grandchildren, Rhodes Andrew Parsons and Asher Jay Parsons, born to Ethan and Megan Parsons. He was proceeded in death by his mother, Vera, his father, William, and sister, Wilma.

Chuck was a man of deep faith, quiet wisdom, and relentless curiosity. He found joy in life’s simplest moments, whether walking the grandkids to school, hanging out at the local coffee shop, Mom’s Front Porch, or digging into the dusty pages of history. He was a cherished member and piano player at Prairie Lea Baptist Church for over 20 years, where he served joyfully and built lasting friendships rooted in faith.

He will always be remembered for his beautiful blue eyes, heartwarming smile, gentle kindness, playful sense of humor, boundless energy with his grandchildren, love of white puffy clouds, and above all, his big, loving heart.

A memorial service will be held at Prairie Lea Baptist Church 6825 Tx-80 Prairie Lea, Tx 78661 on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 3pm, with a meal to follow.

PARSONS, Chuck (Charles Norman Parsons)

Born: 7/23/1940, Laurens, Iowa, U.S.A.

Died: 8/1/2025, Prairie Lea, Texas, U.S.A.

 

Chuck Parsons’ westerns – author:

Bowen and Hardin - 1991

John B. Armstrong, Texas Ranger and Pioneer Ranchman – 2006

Luling - 2009

Captain John R. Hughes, Lone Star Ranger – 2011

Pidge, Texas Ranger - 2013

The Sutton-Taylor Feud: The Deadliest Blood Feud in Texas – 2013

A Lawless Breed: John Wesley Hardin, Texas Reconstruction, and Violence in the Wild West (co) - 2014

Texas Ranger N. O. Reynolds, the Intrepid (co) – 2014

The Notorious Luke Short: Sporting Man of the Wild West (co) – 2015

Ben Thompson: Portrait of a Gunfighter (co) – 2018

Captain Jack Helm: A Victim of Texas Reconstruction Violence – 2018

They Called Him Buckskin Frank: The Life and Adventures of Nashville Franklyn Leslie – 2018

Texas Ranger Lee Hall: From the Red River to the Rio Grande – 2020

Bad Blood: The Violent Lives of John Wesley Hardin, His Brothers, and Associates (co) - 2022

King Fisher: The Short Life and Elusive Career of a Texas Desperado (co) - 2022