Reid Raymond Parkinson , 87, of Rexburg passed away Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the Homestead Assisted Living Center of natural causes. He was born December 29, 1922 in Rexburg, Idaho the third child of Fred Doney and Yvette Raymond Parkinson. He grew up in the Rexburg area where he graduated from Madison High School. He attended machinist school at ISU in Pocatello, Idaho.

He was a decorated WWII veteran of the United States Army and served proudly in Japan were he received the Purple Heart for injuries received in combat. He was a crack shot and received military awards for his marksmanship.

He was an avid reader, hunter, fly fisherman, and outdoorsman. He was a passionate dry farmer, raising wheat and barley along the Teton Canyon and Canyon Creek area for over 60 years. He loved animals, especially baby animals, and enjoyed raising livestock.

He was an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, member of the Idaho Livestock Association, and an active member of the VFW where he served as a VFW honor guard.

His greatest love was his family. He married Carma Leora Virgin December 19, 1946. They later divorced. They raised five children, Marlene (Jeff) Bacon of Salt Lake City, Utah. Debbie Summers of Salt Lake City, Utah, Reid (Shaleen) Parkinson of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Pamela (Christof) Cook of Lake Placid, Florida and Kelly (Maryann) Parkinson of Rexburg, Idaho. He enjoyed a long time companionship with Patsy Appell,of Rexburg, Idaho and her two sons Mike (Rosie) Appell of Ririe, Idaho and Patrick Appell of Rexburg, Idaho. He enjoyed a special relationship with his nephew, DeVere "DeRay" Parkinson of Salt Lake City, Utah.

He is survived by his five children, 18 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren, sister Donna Cherry of Ashton, Idaho, and his brothers Lyle (Marlene) Parkinson of Sacramento, California, Fred (Nola) Parkinson of Silverton, Oregon, Van (Patti) Parkinson of Grover Beach, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother DeVere Parkinson and infant twin sons Shayne and Thayne Parkinson.

Funeral Services will be Friday, May 7, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS North Rexburg Stake (314 East 2 North) in Rexburg, Idaho. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 6, 2010 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Flamm Funeral Home in Rexburg and from 10:00 to 10:45 am at the Stake Center. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Jeff Zollinger and the wonderful staff and care givers at Homestead Assisted Living Center and Creekside Hospice.

Interment with be at Annis Little Butte Cemetery.