James Parman

James D. ”Duane” Parman passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 9, 2016 of natural causes at Tendernest Assisted Living in Billings Montana. Duane was born into the family of James and Mabel Parman on October 19, 1928 in Worth Missouri as one of two sons and two daughters. He attended and graduated public school in Grant City Missouri and completed one year of post-secondary education. In 1946 he was enlisted into the US Army and in 1947 he was deployed to Korea. He was honorably discharged in late 1948. In the early 1950's he moved to Montana and several years later he married Sylvia Martin on August 30, 1952 in her hometown of Red Lodge, MT. In July of 1952 he began a 41-year career with Fruehauf Trailer Company in sales and served his final 15 years as Branch Manager. Duane received recognition and awards as both a salesman and manager. Shortly after his retirement from Fruehauf Trailer he began an 11-year career with Beall Trailers in Billings where he finally retired in 2004 from working 52 years in the trucking industry. Among his many customers, Duane was widely known for his honesty and integrity. Among his family and friends, he will be remembered for his sharp wit, ever present sense of humor, and generosity. In his years of retirement, he enjoyed playing golf with his family and many friends in the warmer seasons and bowling when the weather turned cold. Duane was an active member, Sunday school teacher, and Board Member at Grace United Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Ashlar Masonic Lodge, a lifetime member of Elks Lodge #394 in Billings Montana, and a longtime member and past board member of the Montana Motor Carriers Association. Duane was preceded in death by his parents James and Mabel and older sister Kathryn. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sylvia Parman, his children Dennis (Tana) Parman of Helena, Janice Jensen of Billings, Kathy (Shaw) Weaver of Billings, Bonnie Parman Bomber (Dennis Kaercher) of Billings, son-in-law Ed Jensen of Billings, nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, his brother, Doyle (Carol) Parman of Grant City, MO, sister Ruth (Del) Pearson of Holdredge, NE, sister-in-law, Bonnie Scilley and several other relatives throughout Montana and Missouri. There will be a viewing from Sunday, October 16, 2:00 – 6:00 pm at Dahl Funeral Chapel, 10 Yellowstone Ave., Billings, MT. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016, 11:00 at Grace United Methodist Church, 1935 Avenue B, Billings, MT 59102. A luncheon will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Interment will be in the Yellowstone National Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Grace United Methodist Church Music Fund. The Parman family particularly wants to thank the management and staff at Tendernest Assisted Living for their kindness, compassion, and support while Duane lived with them. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com