Jul. 8, 1949 - Jun. 6, 2012
Date of Service: Jun. 15, 2012
Harold Ray Parton
Burley – Harold Ray Parton, age 62, of Burley, passed away Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at the Cassia Regional Medical Center in Burley, of a sudden illness.
Harold was born on July 8, 1949, in Rupert, Idaho, the son of Arthur Ernest and Rosa Bud Wharam Parton. He received his education in Rupert, and graduated from Minico High School. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Heyburn where lived for a short time prior to settling in Burley, where he has resided for nearly 35 years.
He worked as a line-operator at Ore-Ida Foods and McCain Foods in Burley for more than 30 years. His greatest experience was his tour in Vietnam. He was proud of his service for his country and would tear-up during military fly-overs at sporting events.
Harold attended AA meetings at least once a week. He was never really an alcoholic, but he loved to meet with people – even if they were random strangers, and enjoyed having conversations with them. He also dined at either J B’s Restaurant or Perkins multiple times a day and became good friends with many of their regular visitors and staff.
He amassed a large coin and stamp collection throughout his life. He was as big of a drag racing fan as you could meet. There were dozens of annual events that he watched on TV and attended in person during five different decades. He continued to travel to drag races in his later years, despite dealing with breathing problems and diabetes.
He was partially Native American, but embraced the culture like a full-blooded one. He acquired dozens of items from their culture and cherished them all and their meaning. Out of all of the people in the world, he loved children the most. He was seen as a “Father Goose” for his son by many people, because he cared for his safety and happiness.
Harold is survived by his son, Eric Parton; his siblings, Betty, Steven, David, Lee and Tim; and many nieces and nephews who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Arthur Parton, Jim Parton and Mike Parton; and two sisters, Stella and Helen.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, June 15, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.
