Walter Parrish

Walter Lee Parrish, 86, of Nowata, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013 at the Nowata Nursing Home. He was born on December 25, 1926 in Nowata to Theta (Snider) and Bonnie Lee Parrish. He grew up and attended Nowata schools, leaving during his senior year of high school to join the U.S. Army. Walter served during World War II as an engineer in the Phillipine Islands. He was with the 1289th Construction Engineers Battalion and later, the 42nd Engineer Combat Battalion. Upon his honorable discharge, Walter returned to Nowata. In 1948, he began a career in law enforcement that spanned six decades. Among his duties in law enforcement, Walter was Nowata Police Chief; Special Investigator to the District Attorney's office and finalized his career as dispatcher for the Nowata County Sheriff's Department. Walter married Mary Lou Morris on June 18, 1955 and she preceded him in death on March 2, 1968. Walter attended the Church of the Nazarene and later, the Nowata First United Methodist Church. He loved to hunt, fish and just spend time enjoying his family. Walter also enjoyed working on his farm. Survivors include three children, Tommy Parrish and wife Della of Talala, Larry Parrish and wife Deborah of Delaware, Vickie Ash and husband Lonnie of Gravette, AR; a brother, Don Parrish of Nowata; a sister Lela McGee of Bartlesville, twelve grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and Theta Parrish; a son, Terry Parrish; a daughter, Beverly Parrish; a brother, Harley Parrish; three sisters, Melba Barnett, Evelyn Campbell, Thelma Woods and a granddaughter, Courtney Parrish. Funeral services for Walter are 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, August 14, 2013 at the Benjamin Funeral Service Chapel with Ben Killion officiating. Interment will follow at Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. Memorials in Walter's name may be sent to the 1033 Wheelchair Van.

Visitation Details

Monday, August 12th, 2013 5:00pm - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Tuesday, August 13th, 2013 9:00am - 9:00pm, Benjamin Funeral Home

Service Details

Wednesday, August 14th, 2013 10:00am, Benjamin Funeral Home

Interment Details

Nowata Memorial Park Cemetery