Willie “Mitch” Mitchell Parish Sr.
Willie “Mitch” Mitchell Parish Sr., 81, of Francesville, passed away at his home on Friday morning, March 24, surrounded by his family. He was born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky, on March 2, 1936. He was the son of the late Eddie H. and Thelma J. (Strode) Parish. He graduated from Medaryville High School and had been a resident of Francesville for more than 50 years.
After high school, Mitch enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. On Aug. 25, 1962, in Medaryville, Mitch married the love of his life, D. Jean Neely. They were married for 54 years and had recently renewed their wedding vows on Feb. 2, 2017. He was also baptized the same day at 80 years of age.
Mitch was a manager for the Farm Bureau Co-Op. He retired from the Indiana State Highway Department. He was a reserve deputy for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, a volunteer EMT, and an active fireman for 49 years. He was past president of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association from 1992-1994, and was an active member of the National Volunteer Fire Council. He was a 50-year member of both the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite, and was a former Shriner. He attended the United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing horseshoes and games, and spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mitch is survived by his loving wife Jean Parish; daughters: Jennifer [Mike] Tetzloff, Christina [Steve] Shorter, and Marilyn [Jonn] Bernal; son Willie M. [Nonie] Parish Jr.; grandchildren: Katie [Isaac], Joey, and Rachel Tetzloff; Trent and Tiffani Shorter; Sara and Jonn Bernal; Kayla Jean [Tyler] Fox, and Morgan, Christopher and Jared Parish; great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Hudson Fox; and Emmett Tetzloff; brothers: Herman [Janet] Parish and Alvin [Rana] Parish; sisters: Wilma Miller, Olene Dahler, and Nancy [Jim] Aldridge; sister-in-law Elaine Parish; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother Lawrence “Sam” Parish; and brother-in-law John Dahler.
Visitation was Sunday, March 26, from 2-8 p.m. EDT at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Masonic service was held on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EDT; and an Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Memorial Service was held at 7 p.m. EDT, all in the funeral home chapel. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 27, at 10 a.m. EDT at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Rev. Joe Spear officiated. Interment with full military honors followed at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Winamac.
Contributions in Mitch’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association.
Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — March 29, 2017)