Vernon Quinzy, Sr.

Vernon Quinzy, Sr., 83, of Parsons, died at 9:45 a.m., Sunday, April 1, 2012 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born September 5, 1928 in Chetopa, Kansas to William and Martha Marie (Lydle) Quinzy. He attended schools in Pittsburg, Kansas. During his early years while working at a Chevrolet garage, he developed a love for automobiles and mechanics. He later moved to Detroit, Michigan. He was drafted into the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict until being honorably discharged in 1953. His platoon was the last African-American infantry in the United States Army as segregated platoons were finally desegregated. Following his discharge, he and Shirley James were married March 24, 1953 in Oswego, Kansas. They were later divorced. He moved to Detroit, Michigan where he was employed at Federated Metals for six years. When the company moved to St. Louis, he returned to Parsons in 1959. Through the years, he worked at various jobs and, in September of 1967, he began employment at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant where he worked until retiring in August of 1990 following 23 years of service. One of his greatest talents was his ability to invent practical-use products. He would assess an item and figure out how it could be used in other capacities and then construct it accordingly. He enjoyed models, drawing, riding motorcycles, and building things. This past year, he was featured in the Parsons Sun with his homemade three-wheeled Volkswagen motorcycle. He was honored by The Parsons City Commission for being a member of the Kansas Road Rams, a motorcycle club in the 1960's, 1970's and early 1980's. On February 18, 2012 he was awarded the Black Heritage Hall of Fame Award for outstanding accomplishment and great influence in the community. Survivors include: Two Daughters – Cheryl Young Arlington, VA Monique Redmond and husband, Oliver, Jr. Parsons, KS Three Sons – Vernon Quinzy, Jr. Parsons, KS Carlton Quinzy Parsons, KS Eric Quinzy Parsons, KS Fifteen Grandchildren Eleven Great-Grandchildren Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends, and his dog, Baby He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, one sister, and a daughter, Toni Taylor, who died on November 17, 2001. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernon Quinzy, Sr., please visit our flower store.