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Jerry Duane Parrott dies at 86 

Jerry Duane Parrott

Jerry Duane Parrott

– Gerald “Jerry” Duane Parrott of Los Osos passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2015 at the age of 86. He succumbed after an eight year battle with bladder cancer, in the comfort of his home, with loving family by his side. An extraordinary man, with a gentle soul, Parrott’s kind and giving heart touched the lives of so many. Parrott was an honored member of the Templeton Lions Club for seventeen years, achieving the Melvin Jones Award in 2008 and 2009.  He will be deeply missed.

Parrott was born on May 1, 1929 in Cheboygan, Michigan. After high school he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a First Class Sergeant in the Korean War, 2nd Division 38th Infantry Regiment. During his time in the service, Parrott was a POW, held captive by North Korea from November 1950 to July 1952. Though he managed to overcome his captors and escape his ordeal, he lost many fellow soldiers in battle and sustained numerous wounds himself. Parrott’s trials and tribulations solidified the much deserved earnings of accommodations such as the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Korean War Service Medal, and the Purple Heart.

When he returned home, he eventually made his way to California’s Central Coast, where he met his beautiful wife, Joan, and they married in 1958. The two newlyweds took up permanent residency in San Luis Obispo, raising their family and creating a life for future generations to come.

He enjoyed giving back to his community by volunteering with local senior centers and the Food Bank. Any opportunity he had to help someone in need was seized without hesitation. He loved playing bingo, going to yard sales, chit-chatting with old friends, and spending time with his family. He had the spirit of a fighter; always sure to follow through, never giving up … even at the very end; a very admirable quality.

Parrott’s passion for life was contagious. He lived every day to the fullest, with a smile on his face, no matter how bad the circumstances were. He knew how to brighten a room. One can only hope that his legacy will continue.

Parrott is survived by his brother, Don Parrott and wife, Jean; his two daughters, Shari Wright and Teri Parrott; his three children from a previous marriage, Susie Wilson, Dale Penner, Gale Matteer; his grandchildren, Kimberly Wright, Robin Walton, and Austin O’Rourke; and his great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Gavin Walton. Jerry is proceeded in death by his wife, Joan Parrott and his sons, Douglas Parrott and Lil Jerry.

There will be a celebration of Jerry’s life on Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. at Faces of Freedom Memorial Park in Atascadero. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Templeton Lions Club or Central Coast Hospice.

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