AUSTIN, Texas — Arden Walker “Jim” Day, 93, a former Parsons resident, died Saturday, Oct. 16, 2010, in Austin, Texas, where he had lived the past two years.

He was born July 15, 1917, in Springfield, Mo., to William Walker and Gertrude Estella (Nash) Day. The family moved to Parsons in 1926, when he was 9 years old. He graduated from Parsons High School in 1935.

He began his career with the Katy Railroad in Parsons in 1936, working in the roundhouse. He became a locomotive fireman in 1941 and an engineer in 1945 and eventually moved to Coffeyville, where he retired in 1961. He returned to Parsons in 1995.

On Aug. 11, 1940, he married Getella DeJarnette at Central Avenue Christian Church. She preceded him in death on Aug. 4, 2008, after 68 years of marriage.

He also was preceded in death by their daughter, Donna Sue, who died Oct. 16, 1992.

Mr. Day was a member of First Christian Church in Parsons and formerly was a member of First Christian Church in Coffeyville, where he served as a deacon and youth group sponsor. He had been a member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years.

He also was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters.

The service will at 3 p.m. Friday at the Memorial Lawn Cemetery Patio. Burial will follow in the family lot.

Memorials are suggested to either the American Diabetes Association or Hospice Austin, in recognition of their wonderful care of Jim, and may be left at or sent to Carson-Wall Funeral Home at Box 942, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices.com.