Anthony Aaron “Tony” Parmenter, 48, of Lakeview, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, at OSU Wexner Medical Center in Columbus after a courageous battle with cancer.
Tony was born Feb. 11, 1972, in Greenville, the youngest of seven children. A God-fearing man, and true patriot, he served eight years in the Army National Guard for love of country, and received an honorable discharge. Tony then dedicated himself to pursuing and receiving a journeyman/lineman certification and developed a wide range of skills enhanced by a lifetime of helping others. Tony’s sensitive heart shone brightest when he was needed and answering a call for help. Tony was the guy who would give you the shirt off his back while fixing your furnace at midnight in a snowstorm. He was bright, funny and eager to please. He brought the word “neighborly” to life with his acceptance of everyone and refusal to ever judge or dismiss anyone.
All who knew him are convinced he never met a stranger, and all who had the pleasure of his company say they have never met anyone like him. We are left shaken by the totality of him. Tony’s unquestionable love and verbal appreciation for his favorite things were well known. He loved his fiancé Bethany; he loved supporting her in her career and at home. He loved singing to her with a big smile on his face and proclaiming to the world his love for her. He loved his son and his large family and delighted in every minute spent among them and telling stories about his time with them. His beagle, Olivia, was such a blessing to his cuddling habit.
Tony had the stubbornness to be an avid fisherman and the patience to catch a fish. He loved Lowe’s, Busch Light beer, karaoke, and camping. Tony was a fine, fierce, hard-working human who wasn’t afraid to laugh, smile, cry, or try. His stubborn refusal to give up during his cancer battle is a testament to his bravery. He will never be replaced here on earth, and the world is a little emptier without him. When you see the sun glimmering on the ocean, lake or pond, please think of Tony’s open and pure heart and spread kindness on this earth. We will love you forever, Tony. Thank you for opening our hearts and thank you for showing us how to treasure life.
Tony is survived by his true love and fiancé Bethany Bice; son, Garrett Wert; parents, Karen and Paul Parmenter; sisters, Lisa (Chris) Rismiller, Paula (Jeff) Allen, and Stacy (Michael) Muhlenkamp; brothers, Randy (Patti) Parmenter, Bill (Elizabeth) Parmenter, Doug (Teresa Satterwhite Gibson) Parmenter; and his loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by grandparents, William “Billy” and Rose Parmenter, and Arthur and Wavelene Wion.
In celebrating Tony’s life, Rev. Jim Ellington begins funeral services at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St., Lakeview, with visitation from 3 to 5 p.m. Military rites will be performed by the Logan County Veterans Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tony’s name may be given to Indian Lake CSC “Courage, Strength and Cure” 8524 State Route 368, Huntsville, Ohio, 43324; or the Indian Lake Development Corporation, PO Box 103, Russells Point, Ohio, 43348, or online ildcohio.org. Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.