Retired state District Judge Richard A. Parsons Sr., who served on the bench in Carrizozo for 11 years before retiring in 1996, died Friday in Albuquerque at the age of 81, the Ruidoso News reported.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Monday at the Ruidoso Convention Center, according to the News.

Parsons was suceeded after two terms on the bench by his daughter, state District Judge Karen Parsons, who continues to serve in Carrizozo in the 12th Judicial District, the News reported.

Parsons was born Nov. 23, 1926, in Eldorado, Kan., served as a Naval Cadet during World War II, then attended the first class at the University of New Mexico School of Law, from which he graduated in 1950, according to the paper.

He married Shirley "Shirl" Shaver on Dec. 26, 1950, and the couple had three children before moving to Ruidoso in October 1960, where he opened a private law practice, the News reported.

Parsons was elected to the newly created judgeship in Carrizozo in 1984 and served two terms before retiring on Dec. 31, 1996, the paper said.

After his retirement, the New Mexico Supreme Court picked him to serve as a temporary judge in the 7th and 11th judicial districts, the News reported.

Survivors include his wife Shirl; daughters Sharon L. Parsons-Wagner of North Mankato, Minn., and Karen L. Parsons-Williams of Alto; son Richard A. Parsons of Alto; five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by LaGrone Funeral Chapel.