Person Page - 4905

     Lewis Wilson Parsons Longtime Butte Valley cattle rancher Lewis W. Parsons passed away July 28, 2011. He was 92 years old. His wife, Mary Ann, preceded him to heaven four weeks earlier. He grew up in Red Rock, and as a boy had a quest for learning. He taught himself the metric system and loved math and numbers. He graduated from high school when he was 15. He was drafted into World War II when he was 26 years old. He left his logging and sawmill business and served as a mechanic in North Africa and Italy for 4 years. After he returned, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Ann Smith. Lewis (known to friends and family as "June") was a devoted husband of more than 60 years. Lewis spent many years raising cattle and hay. He always had a couple of 08 Caterpillars in case he wanted to build water holes or knock down juniper trees. He enjoyed making improvements to the cattle range, and was named "Range Man of the Year" by the Klamath National Forest. He was known in the community for his honesty and integrity. He was boisterous and always had a positive presence about him. He attended the Macdoel Assembly of God church for many years and was baptized at the age of 75. Lewis was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann, and all six of his siblings, Fred Kuhl, Christine Wynant, Mickey Branham, John Parsons, Vera Cavener and Mary Pat Wilson. He will be missed by his daughter, Deanna Vest and husband, Glenn of Klamath Falls; and son, Matt Parsons and wife, Audrey of Macdoel. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Brad Vest and wife, Delaina of Portland, Madaline Elliott and husband, Shawn, and Tess Parsons; great grandsons are Colton and Riley Vest.⁴ He was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.⁸ He was born on June 26, 1919 at Dorris, Siskiyou Co., California.^2,3 He married Mary Ann Smith circa 1950.^4,9 Lewis Wilson Parsons died on July 28, 2011 at Klamath Co., Oregon, at age 92.⁴

     Her Social Security Number was 546-42-1671.⁶ Christine Pearl Kuhl was born on February 24, 1913 at California.^2,6 As of March 20, 1937,her married name was Wynant.³ She married Herbert Henry Wynant on March 20, 1937 at Josephine Co., Oregon.³ Christine Pearl Kuhl died on July 8, 1987 at Plumas Co., California, at age 74.²

     Vera Alicia Parsons was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.⁴ She Vera Alicia Parsons Cavener, lifelong resident of Butte Valley, was born in Weed, Calif., on July 3, 1921 and died on Oct. 23, 2009 in Yreka, Calif. Her father and grandfather were homesteaders in Red Rock Valley, where she was raised and met and married Thomas S. Cavener. Tom and Vera raised five sons on the family farm near Dorris She taught cooking and sewing to 4-H groups for many years. Vera was preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Minnie (Craddock) Parsons; her siblings, Fred Kuhl, Christine Wynant, Mickey Branham, John Parsons, and Mary Pat Wilson; her sons, David and Tom Jr., and Thomas, her husband of almost 70 years who died this year. She is survived three sons, James Cavener (Judy) of Yreka, Gary Cavener (Diane) of Oregon City, Ore., and Douglas Cavener (Lan) of State College, Pa., and her daughter-in-law Beverlie Cavener (widow of Tom Jr.) of Dorris. She is also survived by her brother, Lewis Parsons of Red Rock; 16 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and numerous other family members and friends, including many friend in Butte Valley and the Klamath Basin. Vera's beautiful smile and sweet nature will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. She had an infectious love reading and learning and was famous for her home-made dinner rolls and oatmeal cookies. She was open about her love for Christ Jesus and faced death with joy and confidence.³ She was born on July 3, 1921 at Weed, Siskiyou Co., California.^2,3,5,4 As of July 23, 1939,her married name was Cavener.⁴ She married Thomas Summerfield "Tom" Cavener on July 23, 1939 at Siskiyou Co., California.^3,4,6 Vera Alicia Parsons died on October 23, 2009 at Yreka, Siskiyou Co., California, at age 88.^5,3,4

     John Henry Parsons was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.⁴ His Social Security Number was 546-52-4084.⁷ He married Ruth Marie Cavener.⁴ John Henry Parsons was born on July 3, 1924 at Weed, Siskiyou Co., California.^2,7,4 He died on June 24, 1981 at Washington at age 56.^7,3,4

     Frederick William "Fred" Kuhl was buried at Capay Cemetery, Esparto, Yolo Co., California.⁵ His Social Security Number was 559-20-6830.⁷ He was born on April 28, 1911 at Elbe, Pierce Co., Washington.^7,3,4 He married Winnifred Roberta Nelson on February 8, 1935 at Yreka, Siskiyou Co., California.^5,8 Frederick William "Fred" Kuhl died on September 12, 1986 at Yolo Co., California, at age 75.³

     Mary Pat Parsons was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.⁵ She was born on July 20, 1930 at Siskiyou Co., California.^1,5 As of October 6, 1951,her married name was Wilson.⁴ She married Neal Sellars Wilson Jr. on October 6, 1951 at Siskiyou Co., California.⁴ Mary Pat Parsons died on March 27, 1973 at age 42.⁵

     Her Social Security Number was 546-52-2853.³ Mary Melvina Cavener was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.^4,1 She was born on October 15, 1917 at Rome, Floyd Co., Georgia.^4,1,3 As of July 18, 1936,her married name was Craddock.⁴ She married Jesse Vernon Craddock, son of Daniel Ferdinand Craddock and Vinesa Vashti "Vinacy" Terry, on July 18, 1936 at Jackson Co., Oregon.^4,1,2 Mary Melvina Cavener died on August 23, 2006 at Yreka, Siskiyou Co., California, at age 88.^1,3 She Mary Melvina Craddock, 88 years old of Gazelle, passed away on Aug. 23 at Madrone House, Yreka. Mary was born Oct. 15, 1917, daughter of Thomas Pitt and Mable Cavener of Rome, GA. Mary's loving husband, Jesse Craddock preceded her in death in 1993. She was also precededed in death by two sisters, Ruth Parsons and Nina Bennett and one brother, Victor Cavener. Mary lived in Red Rock Valley most of her life, later living with her children. May worked as a Rural Route Mail carrier for many years carrying the mail and small govery orders to her neighbors. May loved to garden and would raise a huge vegetable garden plus plenty of flowers. She also loved to travel. Survivors include daughters, Jane Canada of Tucson, AZ and Nancy Denman of Calistoga, sons, Daniel Craddock of Stockton, Joe Craddock of Chico, and Terry Craddock of Gazelle. Brothers, Tom Cavener of Dorris, Paul Cavener of Dorris, and Harold Cavener of Paul, Idaho. 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren also many nieces and nephews. Graveside services are being held at Lakeview Cem. MacDoel with Reverand James H. Cavener officiating on Aug. 26 at 1 p.m. There will be a gathering of family and friends afterwards some food will be provided, location will be announced at the services. Additional food will be welcome. In lieu of flowers, any contribution can be made to Madrone Hospice House, Yreka. on September 20, 2006.¹

     Winnifred Roberta Nelson was buried at Capay Cemetery, Esparto, Yolo Co., California.² Her Social Security Number was 565-38-7131.¹ She was born on June 21, 1913 at Oroville, Butte Co., California.¹ As of February 8, 1935,her married name was Kuhl.² She married Frederick William "Fred" Kuhl, son of Frederick William 'Fred" Kuhl and Minnie Para Craddock, on February 8, 1935 at Yreka, Siskiyou Co., California.^2,3 Winnifred Roberta Nelson died on January 5, 2001 at Chico, Butte Co., California, at age 87.^1,3

     His Social Security Number was 549-54-2535.³ Frederick Rylands Moore was born on June 29, 1929 at Costa Mesa, Orange Co., California.^2,1,4 He married Harriett R. Kuhl, daughter of Frederick William "Fred" Kuhl and Winnifred Roberta Nelson, on August 5, 1961 at Humboldt Co., California.⁵ Frederick Rylands Moore died on November 1, 2004 at Butte Co., California, at age 75.^3,4

     Elizabeth R. Moore was born on November 7, 1967 at Sonoma Co., California.¹

     His Social Security Number was 566-03-1018.² Herbert Henry Wynant was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.³ He was born on September 6, 1915 at Oregon.^4,2 He married Christine Pearl Kuhl, daughter of Frederick William 'Fred" Kuhl and Minnie Para Craddock, on March 20, 1937 at Josephine Co., Oregon.¹ Herbert Henry Wynant died on March 1, 1944 at Modoc Co., California, at age 28.²

     Milton Gelwicks Branham was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia.^1,3 He married Minnie Aline "Mickey" Parsons, daughter of Lewis Douglas Parsons and Minnie Para Craddock.³ Milton Gelwicks Branham was born on October 15, 1917 at Medicine Lodge, Barber Co., Kansas.^1,2,3,4 He died on December 31, 2013 at Washington, D.C., at age 96.^1,3,4 He Col. Milton G. Branham died December 31, 2013 at his home at Knollwood Military Retirement Community in NW Washington DC. He died peacefully in a manner he would have chosen, celebrating New Years Eve with friends. Col. Branham was born in Medicine Lodge, Kansas in 1917 to Zada Lister and the Reverend George Milton Branham. He and his 3 sisters, Erma, Miriam and Dora Branham and one brother, Alfred Branham were raised in Wichita, Kansas, where he graduated from East High School. Col. Branham was devoted to his family and to the U.S. Army which he joined in 1940. During World War II he served in North Africa and Italy. Early assignments following the war were at Sierra Army Depot, Herlong, California; Fort Monroe, Virginia; and Fort Carson, Colorado. He served as the Ordnance Advisor to the Royal Danish Army and later to the Chinese National Army in Taiwan. Colonel Branham also served in Korea and he worked in the Office of the Chief of Ordnance in Headquarters, U.S. Army Material Command in Washington, D.C. In 1969, he was appointed Commanding Officer of Seneca Army Depot in New York. His last assignment was as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics at Headquarters, Continental Air Defense Command-North American Air Defense Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado, from which he retired after a 33-year career. Among the awards held by Colonel Branham are two Legions of Merit, the Soldiers Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster. His degrees include a Master's of science in logistics from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Upon retirement, Colonel Branham and his wife, Mickey (Minnie Aline Parsons) made their home in Colorado Springs where he pursued his love for fishing and hunting. After Mickey passed away in 1983, he married, in 1984, an old high school friend, Gerri (Geraldine Faye Dunn) with whom he enjoyed their many friends and several trips and cruises until she passed away in 2006. In 2013, he moved to the Knollwood Military Retirement Community in Washington D.C. where his son is the Hall and Facilities Administrator. Col. Branham will be greatly missed by his friends and family. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Van Valkenburgh and Sally Sumihiro, and their spouses Woody Van Valkenburgh and Gary Sumihiro; his son, James Branham; and by his three granddaughters, Ashley Van Valkenburgh, Shannon Sumihiro and Alexandra Branham; his grandsons, Christopher Van Valkenburgh and James Sumihiro; his great grandson, Raphael Sebastion (Rafa); Ashley's spouse, Brian Ewing; and by his sister Dora Branham Timmerman Bayer and niece Carol Parker and many other nieces and nephews. Col. Branham remained very active and social in his last years. He had a wonderful group of friends that he would meet with weekly at the Air Force Academy Officers Club in Colorado Springs, and remained quite active in the stock market. He continued to hold these relationships close after he moved to Washington DC. He will be buried alongside his two wives in Arlington Memorial Cemetery March 20, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with full military honors. A chapel service will be held at 9:00 a.m. Following the burial, a reception will be held at Knollwood. Your own memories and thoughts are the most important. If, however, you would like to do more, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Wounded Warriors or to your favorite charity. on March 15, 2014.³

     Mary Ann Smith was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.³ She was born on September 9, 1928 at Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., Oregon.^4,2 As of circa 1950,her married name was Parsons.^1,2 She married Lewis Wilson Parsons, son of Lewis Douglas Parsons and Minnie Para Craddock, circa 1950.^1,2 Mary Ann Smith died on June 30, 2011 at Klamath Co., Oregon, at age 82.^4,2 She Mary Ann (Smith) Parsons stepped into heaven on Thursday, June 30, at the age of 82. She was born Sept. 9, 1928, in Klamath Falls, grew up in Langell Valley and raised her own family in Macdoel. Mary was the devoted and loving wife to Lewis Parsons for over 60 years, the mother to Deanna Vest and Matt Parsons, grandmother to Brad Vest, Maddie Elliott and Tess Parsons as well as a great-grandmother to Colton and Riley Vest. Mary grew up on a potato, cattle and hay ranch. After finishing high school, she moved to Klamath Falls to attend business college and lived in a boarding house while working at the hospital, and later the courthouse. She met Lewis Parsons and became engaged and married within five months. Their first summer was spent living on a mountain while logging. Many years followed with raising cattle and hay. She wa s a hardworking woman who knew how to run a crew. She was always very organized, and her home and her meals were always lovely. Mary was a wonderful mother who loved, guided and cared for her children and grandchildren with much patience and understanding. Mary's light for Christ burned brightly for 82 years. She was a charter member of the Macdoel Assembly of God Church, served as a church board member, taught Sunday school for 40 years and was recognized as the Sunday School Teacher of the Year for her dedicated service. She gave her children and grandchildren a powerful, enduring legacy of faith, love and family. She lived her life well, always endorsing the pure and the good. She is survived by her husband Lewis Parsons, her brothers Walter Smith and Dick Smith, her two children and their spouses Deanna Vest (Glenn) and Matt Parsons (Audrey), three grandchildren and their spouses Brad Vest (Delaina), Maddie Elliott (Shawn) and Tess Parsons, and two greatgrandchildren Colton and Riley Vest. A celebration of her life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Macdoel Assembly of God Church. Davenport's Chapel of the Good Shepherd is in charge of the arrangements.. on July 2, 2011.²

     Thomas Summerfield "Tom" Cavener was buried at Lakeview Cemetery, Macdoel, Siskiyou Co., California.^3,4 He Longtime Dorris, Calif., resident Thomas "Tom" S. Cavener went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009, with his family at his side. He was 89. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at 1 p.m. at the Shasta View Church of the Nazarene in Dorris. Viewing will precede the service at the church from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Pastor Harold Brimmer will officiate. Concluding services and interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Macdoel. A reception will follow the interment at the church. Tom was born on Oct. 7, 1919, in Rome, Ga., to Thomas P. and Mabel (Tippin) Cavener. He grew up there until entering the U.S. Army at the age of 16. Tom served in Hawaii until being honorably discharged and coming to the Red Rock Valley, Calif. There he met Vera Parsons and they were married on July 23, 1939, on her parents' ranch. They moved in the early 1940s to Dorris, where they began farming, raising small grains, sought-after alfalfa and some livestock. Tom was a very meticulous grower; dairy cows and horses preferred the quality of the alfalfa he raised. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and the Butte Valley Soil Conservation District. Tom was active in the Shasta View Nazarene Church, including being a Sunday school teacher, music leader and board member. He assisted in the construction of the Nazarene Church in Klamath Falls. Tom was a loving provider for his family and will be missed greatly. Survivors include his wife of 69 years Vera of Dorris; sons and their wives, James and Judith Cavener of Yreka, Calif., Gary and Diane Cavener of Oregon City, Ore., Douglas and Lan Cavener of State College, Pa; grandchildren, Jeri Welden, Alicia Brownlow, Scott Cavener, Pamela Cavener, Chris Biedenbender, Jeffrey Cavener, Robin Cavener-Biedenbender, Mark Cavener, Gina Cavener, Kristina Siders, Gregory Cavener, Nathan Cavener, Jessica Deloney, Beth Cavener-Stichter, Vicki Cavener and Mia Cavener; great-grandchildren, Joshua Beal, Nick and Zach Brownlow, Jaden Cavener, Tatum Huff, Chase Huff, Macy Cavener, Lucy Cavener, Callie Cavener, Adam Miller, Lauren Cavener, Grant Cavener, Gillian Cavener, Natalie Cavener, Josie Barkley and Landon Cavener; great-great grandson Aiden Thomas Beal; his brother, Harold Cavener of Paul, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his sons David Cavener and Thomas Cavener Jr., sisters, Nine Mae Barnett, Mary Craddock and Ruth Parsons and brothers Paul and Victor Cavener.⁴ He was born on October 7, 1919 at Rome, Floyd Co., Georgia.^3,6,4,5 He married Vera Alicia Parsons, daughter of Lewis Douglas Parsons and Minnie Para Craddock, on July 23, 1939 at Siskiyou Co., California.^2,3,4 Thomas Summerfield "Tom" Cavener died on January 4, 2009 at Siskiyou Co., California, at age 89.^3,4,6