Donald Parr

SUN PRAIRIE-MADISON-Lieutenant Colonel Donald J. Parr took his last flight on Oct. 19, 2016. Born on Oct. 10, 1933, to Frank and Ethel (Motl) Parr in Sun Prairie, he attended Sacred Hearts school. Donald graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1951, and graduated from UW-Madison in 1955, with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. He began his military career on active duty. He was stationed at Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina and assigned as a Pilot in the 464th Troop Carrier Wing Tactical Air Command. That wing supported the famed 82nd Airborne Division of the US Army. After active duty, Donald was assigned to the 440th Airlift Wing of the USAF Reserves stationed at General Billy Mitchell Field in Milwaukee until his retirement in July of 1976. He had a C.P.C.U. degree (Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters) and worked for Capitol Indemnity.

Donald married Sandra (Riley) on June 24, 1967. They have three children, Joseph and his daughter, Makenna, Lisa, and Thomas (Susan) and sons, Caden and Gavin. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, gardening, dancing, playing cards, cross-country skiing, and going on scenic vacations. Donald loved watching Lafollette, Badgers, and Packers football and Badger basketball games.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter on Nov. 10, 1970; a brother, Leo Parr and a sister, Mary Grace Weisensel. He is survived by a sister, Ruth (Bernard) Broome of Waterloo; many brothers and sisters-in-law; and several nieces and nephews. Donald left a "contrail" of legacies and good memories.

A funeral service will be held at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 1310 Emerald Terrace, Sun Prairie, on Tuesday, October 25, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Father William Vernon presiding. Burial will follow at Sacred Hearts Cemetery in Sun Prairie. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. A luncheon will be provided at Cress Funeral Home following the burial.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Hearts School in Sun Prairie for books. Don was an avid reader.

A special thanks from the family is extended to Heartland Home Hospice, a sincere thanks to Cathy Broome for her medical expertise, and Tim and Carmen Connor, our wonderful neighbors who helped make his last flight smooth, and especially Father William Vernon.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Services
1310 Emerald Terrace Sun Prairie
(608) 837-9054