"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than those you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the wind in your sails. Explore, Dream. Discover." Mark Twain Don had the heart of a sailor. He lived a life filled with adventure and shared his enthusiasm with those he loved. Born November 7, 1942 in St. Louis, MO, Don's parents introduced Don to boating on their Chris Craft on the Mississippi River. Forever a "river rat", Don enjoyed being on the water throughout his life, most recently on the Lady J, a boat named for the love of his life and wife of 54 years, Judy. Don served as Commadore for both the Charlestown and Wellwood Yacht Clubs. Many will fondly remember him as the "King of the Chesapeake" and recall his charismatic smile while sitting on the deck of his boat with a scotch in his hand enjoying a cigar. After relocating his family to Lancaster, Don enjoyed many years coaching his sons in Manheim Township Little League football and was the voice of Manheim Township High School football, announcing games for over 30 years. As a founding member of the York Rugby Club, he introduced the sport to both his sons, playing together on the same team, affectionately known as Sr., Jr. and Jr. Jr. Whether travelling in their Volkswagen, as members of the Volkswagen Club of Greater St. Louis, riding his Full Dresser Harley-Davidson with Judy on the back, or discovering and exploring new places, together they caught the wind in their sails. Along with his interest in literature, art, golf, and travel, Don passionately supported his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with family and sharing in their interests. "Pa" loved and was well loved. He will be deeply missed, but always alive in our hearts. In his spare time, Don worked as a Supervisor and retired from Harley- Davidson in York, PA. Don lived fully, untethered by bowlines, despite his diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He fought valiantly to stay with the ones he loved and live to explore, dream and discover until his final breath, March 5, 2018, at home surrounded and cared for by his family with the support of Hospice and Community Care. In addition to his wife Judith Ann Standeford Parsons, Don is survived by his daughter Traci Longenecker Parsons, Sharon Hill, PA, his son Donald L Parsons Jr, husband to Jean Deiter Parsons, parents of Hannah Elizabeth Parsons and Addisan Ann Parsons, Lancaster, PA and his son Michael S Parsons, Lancaster, PA. Don is predeceased by his father Leroy Francis Parsons, mother Wilma Lucille Fitzsimmons Parsons and his beloved grandson Chad David Longenecker. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with family and will be received on Wednesday, March 14, 2018 from 6-8pm at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Don's name can be made to Hospice and Community Care, 685 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA, 17604.