Parsons Resident Larry "Tooter" Polan Dies at 79; Services Set

Larry "Tooter" Polan, 79, a longtime Parsons resident, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at Jackson-Madison County Hospital in Jackson, Tennessee. Born February 1, 1946, Polan is survived by his wife, Angela Polan of Parsons; his daughter, Elizabeth Mae Ivery of Birmingham, England; and grandchildren Rachel Mae Ivery and Noah Styler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Malcolm Polan, and his brother, William Franklin Polan.

Visitation was held Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 12:30 PM at Parsons First Baptist Church, 114 N Virginia Ave, Parsons, Tennessee. The funeral service took place Sunday, December 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the same church. Burial followed at Mt. Tabor Cemetery in the Parsons and Decatur County area. Funeral arrangements were under the care of Parsons Mortuary.

Polan's passing drew family and neighbors to Parsons First Baptist Church, a local gathering point that often serves as a locus of social and spiritual support in smaller communities. The attendance of relatives from outside the region, including a daughter who lives in Birmingham, England, underscores how funerals frequently bring together dispersed families and highlights transportation and logistical challenges that can accompany end-of-life events in rural counties.

Polan's death at Jackson-Madison County Hospital reflects a continuing reliance by Decatur County residents on regional medical centers for acute and inpatient care. For many rural families, timely access to hospital services means traveling outside county lines, which has implications for emergency response, patient transport, and the distribution of health resources across the region. Community leaders and health officials have noted in recent years that maintaining strong connections between Decatur County and nearby hospitals is essential to meet residents' needs.

For neighbors planning to attend memorial services, the congregation and funeral home organized standard visitation and service times. Those with health concerns or caregiving responsibilities may wish to contact Parsons First Baptist Church or Parsons Mortuary for updates and accommodations. As the family grieves, the community's support through attendance, meals, and practical help will shape how Decatur County remembers Larry Polan and supports his survivors in the weeks ahead.