The Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce Steve Fincher as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Veterans Day Parade, to be held on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 9 a.m. in downtown Parsons. Fincher, a lifelong Parsons resident and 1965 graduate of Parsons High School, is a decorated veteran whose 20-year military career included 16 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and four years in the U.S. Navy.
After completing Marine Corps boot camp in San Diego, Fincher served in Vietnam with a Marine F-4 Phantom squadron and later held assignments in Japan, Thailand, Korea, and across the United States, attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant before transferring to the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer. He concluded his military service as a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy, managing the Religious Program Specialist program for Fleet Marine Forces Pacific. Among his numerous commendations are the Vietnam Service Medal with three stars, the Presidential Unit Commendation, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.
Following retirement, Fincher and his wife, Carol (Hudson) Fincher, returned to Parsons in 1985 to raise their family and be near their parents. The couple was married for 55 years before Carol’s passing in 2024. Together they raised four children—two sons and two daughters—and are the proud grandparents of twelve grandchildren. Fincher went on to complete college degrees from Hawaii Pacific University, Labette Community College, and Pittsburg State University, and served nearly 25 years with the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services, including a decade as Southeast Region Director. He remains active in the First Christian Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marine Corps League, and the Fleet Reserve Association.
The Chamber invites the community to join in honoring Steve Fincher and all veterans at this year’s parade as we celebrate their service, sacrifice, and dedication to our country. All veterans are invited to walk, ride, or roll in the parade. Lineup will begin at Central and Crawford at 8:30 a.m. To register a band, float, organization, or vehicle, please go to the Chamber website at www. parsonschamber.org.
The Parsons Area Chamber of Commerce is a leadership business organization dedicated to supporting and advancing the growth of Parsons and the surrounding area. The Chamber connects businesses, community partners, and residents to foster economic development, tourism, and civic engagement. Through advocacy, education, and events that strengthen local commerce, the Chamber works to make Parsons a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.
