Frank Parsons; Spokesman in Medfly Crisis

Frank Parsons, former chief deputy of the Orange County Agricultural Commission and a community leader for youth, has died. He was 72.

Parsons, who became a familiar government spokesman during the medfly crisis in the late 1980s, died March 1 of congestive heart failure. His family said that Parsons, a church elder, was stricken while serving Communion at the First Presbyterian Church of Orange.

Born in Eagle Rock, Parsons served with the Navy in the South Pacific during World War II and then earned a degree in agricultural biology at Cal State Polytechnic College at its now-defunct Voorhis Park campus in San Dimas.

He retired in 1992 after 38 years as a deputy agricultural commissioner in Orange County, working with growers primarily on pesticides.

A two-term president of the Orange County Rotary, Parsons served as director of youth activities for about 50 Southern California Rotary clubs. He also worked with 4-H, Indian Guides and other youth groups and spearheaded creation of a nature center garden and arboretum at El Modena High School.

Parsons volunteered as a tour guide for the Orange County Fairgrounds Centennial Farms, teaching youngsters about nature and farm life. He was also a leader in the Orange Beautiful landscaping project, the Pitcher Park Community Foundation, the Cal Poly-Voorhis Park Foundation, the Orange Educational Foundation and the Orange Chamber of Commerce.

Survivors include his wife, Carla; two sons, Kirk and Keith; two daughters, Shelly and Tari; and six grandchildren.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the First Presbyterian Church of Orange.