Willis Parrish

Willis Parrish, 79, of Iola, Kansas, died Wednesday, May 25, 2011, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola. Willis was born July 7, 1931, in Neosho, Missouri, the son of Roley and Marguarite (Stalker) Parrish. He grew up at Neosho Falls, Kansas, where he graduated from high school. Willis joined the United States Navy and served four years before returning to Neosho Falls where he farmed and drove a truck. He drove for Bruenger Truck Line of Wichita, Cyrus Truck Line in Iola and Navajo Freight Line in Kansas City, before managing Iola Milling Company. He retired as a driver for Ruan. After his retirement, he enjoyed gardening and restoring and repairing tractors. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His memberships include the First Christian Church in Iola, V.F.W. and American Legion. In 1952, Willis married Caryl Beth Saferite and they had three children and later divorced. Willis married Patricia (Sailsbury) Morin in 2002, and she survives at the home. SURVIVORS: His wife: Patricia Parrish of the home 2 Daughters: Glenda Pargman & husband, Kevin of Iola, KS, and Sandy Keating & husband, John of Olathe, KS 2 Step-Daughters: Michelle Bigelow & husband, Bill of Moran, KS and Connie Hendricks of ElDorado, KS 1 Daughter-In-Law: Teresa Parrish of Iola, KS 1 Sister-In-Law: Shirley Parrish of Moore, OK 9 Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his son, Willis Daniel "Danny" Parrish in 2004, 3 sisters, Opal, Edna and Grace, and 2 brothers, Harvey and Wayne Parrish. FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 28, 2011, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola, Kansas. Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. BURIAL: Logue Cemetery east of LeRoy, Kansas MEMORIAL: First Christian Church Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .