Michael J. "Mike" Holsinger

Michael J. "Mike" Holsinger, 59, of Parsons, died at 3:10 a.m., Saturday, August 4, 2012 at Freeman West hospital in Joplin, Missouri. He was born April 24, 1953, in Parsons, Kansas, to Elmer J. and Dowana D. (Ewing) Holsinger. Mike grew up in Parsons where he attended schools and was a 1971 graduate of Parsons High School. Following high school, he began his 40-year career with the railroad. Through the years, he had worked for both the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and the Union Pacific Railroad where he was currently employed as a carman. He was a member of Our Father's Vineyard in Parsons and the IAM TCU Local Lodge 6762. He enjoyed disc golf and had served as president of the Parsons Disc Golf Club. He also enjoyed fishing, drag racing and motorcycle riding. He loved being "Grandpa" to his seven grandchildren and especially enjoyed spending time with them and attending their sporting events. He and Loretta White were married October 28, 1972, in Parsons. She survives of the home. In addition to his wife, survivors include: Two Sons – Sam Holsinger and wife, Amanda Parsons, KS Rick Holsinger and wife, Kimi Parsons, KS Seven Grandchildren – Kyleigh, Bethany, Bradyn, Logan, Eden, Sayler and Mila Two Brothers – Elmer Holsinger and wife, Brenda Watauga, TX Tim Holsinger of Parsons, KS; and his wife, Trina, of Neodesha, KS Five Sisters – Sherry Burke and husband, Jim Parsons, KS Judy Burns and husband, Jim Erie, KS Debbie Forbes and husband, Jim Fenton, MO Mary Moore and husband, Len Canon City, CO Robin Watson and husband, Donnie Weatherford, TX He was preceded in death by his father, Elmer J. Holsinger, on May 27, 1996; his mother, Dowana D. Holsinger, on March 5, 2008; and two brothers, Randy Holsinger, in 2002, and David Holsinger, on July 11, 2011. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 9, 2012, at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to an educational fund for his grandchildren. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Michael J. "Mike" Holsinger, please visit our flower store.