Herbert R. Parsons, Jr., 85, of Peru, passed away at 7:30 A.M., Sunday, June 5, 2016 at his residence. He was born in South Bend, IN on November 28, 1930 the son of H. Ralph Parsons, Sr. and Esther Kurtz Parsons. Herb married Veronica “Bikey” Rothermel on April 9, 1960 and she preceded him in death on August 6, 2007. Herb was a 1948 graduate of Peru High School and received a BS in Business Administration from Indiana University. While a student at IU he was a member of the Sigma Pi Fraternity and participated in the first little 500 bicycle race at IU. Herb was a US Army Veteran and his military decorations include the Good Conduct Medal. Herb owned and operated Central Murphy Furniture in Peru from 1950 – 1981 and the Recycled Furniture Shop in Peru from 1992 – 2004. Herb was past President of the Peru Area Chamber of Commerce and a member of the First Christian Church, Eagles, Elks and Peru Maennerchor. He was an avid card player, and thoroughly enjoyed playing golf at the “Muni”. In his younger years, Herb sponsored and played basketball in the Adult Basketball League at the YMCA. Herb never met a stranger and greeted those he knew with a hug or handshake. He was a loyal and compassionate friend, who told it like it was often using colorful words. Everyone always knew where they stood with Herb. Surviving are son Herbert R. Parsons III (Heidi Wright) of Peru, daughters Suzy Williams of Peru, Elizabeth (Kevin) Judd-Roseman of Zionsville; grandchildren Stefan Williams, Braden Williams, Jessica Judd, Dalton Judd, Paula Mabrey, and Joey Mabrey; 8 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Betty Parsons of Peru, and Carole Rothermel of Peru and a brother-in-law Stephen (Mary Elizabeth) Rothermel of Lake Charles, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife “Bikey”, a brother Philip L. Parsons, a son, Michael Mabrey and a granddaughter Porshae Plake. A service celebrating the life of Herbert R. Parsons will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, June 9, 2016 at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 West Main with Pastor George Dinkel officiating. Burial will be in St. Charles Catholic Cemetery. Family and friends will gather from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home. Military Rites will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Memorial donations may be made through the funeral home to the Miami County Military Rites Unit or the First Christian Church.