Morris (Gene) Paronto, 85 of Sioux City, died Monday, January 20, 2014 at his residence.
Memorial Services will be 10:30 am Friday, January 24, 2014 at the Morningside Church of Christ. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to www.waterburyfuneralserviceinc.com
Gene was born on September 9, 1928 in Laurel Montana, the son of Orvil and Tirzah (Patterson) Paronto. He attended school in Laurel and in 1946 joined the Army. He was stationed in Korea until his discharge in 1949.
On November 18, 1950 he was united in marriage to June M Fairburn in Billings Montana. Gene was a Police Officer in Billings, before working at a Veterinarian Supply Store. In February of 1964 the family moved to Sioux City Iowa to due to his transfer to become Manager of Franklin Laboratories. During 1987 they moved to Akron Iowa where Gene was a School Bus Driver. The family’s farm house was damaged by fire in 2006 and they moved back to Sioux City Iowa.
Gene was instrumental in bringing the Official Little League Baseball to Sioux City he worked as a Coach and as an Umpire. His teams won many championships and Gene could always remember the ones that got away. He was extremely supportive of his grandchildren’s many sporting activities. Standing beside Matt Paronto as a father would.
Gene was dedicated to his family and was an active member of Morningside Church of Christ.
Gene is survived by his wife of 63 years June Paronto, three daughters Mary Leach and her significant other Brian H.Smith and her children Matt Paronto and wife Kelly, Jesse Leach, Sarah Leach. Dianna Chase and her children Burt Chase and his wife Holly, Jeremiah Chase and his wife Chandra, Amber Chase and special friend Kenny, Chris Chase and special friend Lessa. Lorraine Anderson and her husband Rich and their children Jimmy Vogel and his wife Amanda, Bobby Vogel and his wife Jenn, Greg Anderson, Keri Anderson, Ashleigh Anderson. One son David Paronto and his children DJ Paronto, Brandi and her husband Josh Bainbridge, Corey Paronto. 29 Great Grandchildren, one brother Howard (Joan) Paronto of Florida. Four Sisters Patsy (George)Bach of Billings Montana, Betty(Don)Shay of Laurel Montana, Velma Grotwhol of Laurel Montana, June Paronto of Billings Montana. Three sister in laws Dorothy Paronto of Billings Montana, Naomi Paronto of Graybull Wyoming, Dorris Eccles of Billings Montana. Along with many other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death my both of his Parents three brothers Bud, Blair and Bill Paronto. Three sisters Pam Garter, Infant sisters Inaiona and Mary Margret. One Great grandchild Josiah Vogel, and one son in law Richard Leach. Special thanks to Holly Spirit and the VA Hospital and Hospice of Siouxland for the wonderful care given to him.