Hugh D. Ozier

Hugh D. Ozier, Jr., 95, longtime Parsons resident, passed away at 7:00 a.m., Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Parsons Presbyterian Manor.

Hugh Densmore Ozier, Jr. was born on May 14, 1926, to Hugh Densmore and Pebble (Wilson) Ozier in Kansas City, Missouri.  As a young boy, he moved with his family to Caps, Arkansas.  He grew up and attended school in Harrison, Arkansas, where he graduated from high school.  At the age of 17, Hugh joined the United States Navy, serving his country during World War II.

In the early 1950's, after earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, Hugh began working for JCPenney in Kansas City.  That is where he met his wife, Helen Ann Nugent, who was working as a window dresser.  The couple was married in 1953 in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, and moved to Parsons in 1954, where they had lived since.  Hugh worked at the Parsons JCPenney as the assistant manager until retiring in 1991.  Over those many years, he helped many people select shoes and became known as the "Shoe Man."

Hugh was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and after it closed, was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church.  He enjoyed gardening and would set up a farmer's market in his front yard, selling tomatoes and strawberries.  An avid sports fan, Hugh enjoyed watching the Royals, Chiefs, Vikings and Jayhawks.  Another favorite pastime was fishing.

Survivors include:

His wife of 69 years – Helen, of the home

Six sons – William Ozier and his wife, Brenda, of Parsons, Kansas

John Ozier and his wife, Mandy, of Paola, Kansas

Paul Ozier and his wife, Sandy, of Parkville, Missouri

Robert Ozier of Lawrence, Kansas

Thomas Ozier and his wife, Jennifer, of Baldwin City, Kansas

James Ozier and his wife, Denise, of Altamont, Kansas

Three daughters – Becky Schulte and her husband, Dan, of Lawrence, Kansas

Chrissy Kutz and her husband, Jim, of Parsons, Kansas

Jane Burzinski and her husband, Bernard, of Shawnee, Kansas

Twenty-two grandchildren

Ten great-grandchildren

Two brothers – William Ozier and his wife, Lois, of Gaither, Arkansas

Leon Richardson and his wife, Giovanna, of Mesa, Arizona

The rosary will be prayed at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends following the rosary.  Burial of cremains will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Parsons Area Community Foundation to benefit the Parsons Arboretum.  These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS  67357.