Army Officer. Alaska Highway. Joined 97th Engineer Regiment in June 1942 as a Captain. Company F Commander from June/July 1942 to January 1943. Transferred to Northwest Service Command at Whitehorse, YT in February 1943.
Born: 8 June 1907, Texas. Died: 24 November 1993, Bryan, Brazos, Texas.
He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1930 with a degree in architectural (structural) engineering and began his career with Humble Oil Company at Ingleside, Texas. In 1932 he married Mary Abigail “Abbie” Dausey (Dawsey). Walter and Abbie were married for 53 years until her death in 1985. They had six children, five boys and one girl.
In 1941, he entered active military service in the Army Corps of Engineers. One of his major accomplishments was leading men in the 97th Engineer Regiment to construct the northern section of the Alaska Highway in Alaska.
He returned to the states and served as the Center Engineer of the vast Army Air Defense Center. From 1948-1951 he was assigned as Assistant Professor to the Military Science Department at Texas A&M College. He taught military science and tactics and was the senior officer of the Corps of Engineers.
He was also one of the charter members of Council 3205, Knights of Columbus, founded 20 February 1949 at Texas A&M College. In 1962 he retired from the military, highest rank Colonel.
After retirement, he and his family moved back to College Station and Texas A&M University where he served as the Director of the Physical Plant from 1962 to 1972. Mr. Tom D. Cherry, director of Business Affairs at the University, stated that Mr. Parson’s wealth of professional talent will be put towards planning and development of expansion programs.
He was instrumental in starting the first Squires Circle for Council 3205 of the Knights of Columbus. He also served as the Grand Knight during the Council’s Silver Anniversary year of 1973-74. He was a former District Deputy and a former District Master for the 4th Degree.
Military Register: 2lt. Engr-Res 24 May 30; accepted 27 May 30; A.D. 6 July 30 to 19 July 30; 5 July 31 to 18 July 31; 1lt Engr-Res 11 July 33; accepted 22 July 33; A.D. 8 Sept. 35 to 21 Sept. 35; 30 May 37 to 12 June 37; reaptd. 1lt Engr-Res. 11 July 38; accepted 11 July 38; A.D. 7 Aug. 38 to 20 Aug 38; 16 July 39 to 29 July 39; 7 July 40 to 20 July 40 and from 30 Apr. 41; capt. Engr-Res. 16 Dec. 41; maj. A.U.S. 3 Feb. 44; lt. col. A.U.S. 10 July 46; lt. col. Engr-Res. 10 July 46; accepted 10 July 46; reld. A.D. 25 Oct 46; terminated lt. col. A.U.S. 28 Feb. 47–Capt. C.E. 10 Feb. 47 with rank from 8 June 42; accepted 28 Feb. 47.
Serial #O-39782