William Sr

William Lee Parish Sr., 80, died at 12:35 p.m., Friday, January 1, 2016 at his residence with his loving family at his side.He was born in Jerseyville on Oct. 23, 1935, one of two sons born to Wayne C. & Hazel R. (Green) Parish.He graduated in 1953 from Jersey Community High School, and was employed by the City of Jerseyville for many years, working mainly at the Oak Grove Cemetery and the City Park.A devoted man who cherished his family, he was a loving husband, father and papa.He loved to take hunting trips to Colorado with his buddies, working flea markets, and sharing a good story with special friends.  He never met a stranger and possessed a laugh like no other.  He was a Mason and a Shriner for over 60 years and was a member of the former Moose Lodge in Jerseyville for over 50 years.He married the former Louise (Buchanan) Tolbert on Nov. 30, 1984 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Jerseyville, and they have been blessed with 31 years together.Surviving are his wife, Louise Parish of Grafton; a son, Michael R. Parish of Grafton; a daughter, Angela R. Parish of Grafton; three step children & their spouses,  Brenda Eardley of Bethalto, Denny & JoAnn Tolbert of Jerseyville, Susan & JoeHeitzman of Dow; five grandchildren & their spouses, Brody Parish and Dawson Petrea of Grafton, Jamie & Danny Hartman of Jerseyville, Sara & Erik Petersen and Jacquelyn & Christopher Gregerson all of Seattle, Wa.; three great grandchildren, Barrett, James & Chloe Hartman all of Jerseyville; numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren; a brother & sister in law, Wayne Eugene "Gene" and Martha Jean Parish of Dow; along with two nephews, Todd Parish and his wife, Cindy ofJerseyville, and Troy Parish of Dow.
He was preceded in death by his father, Wayne C. Parish; his mother & step father, Hazel & Clyde Isringhausen; a son, William Lee "Billy" Parish on July 6, 2002.Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where Masonic Services will be conducted at 7 p.m.Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. David Prosser officiating.Burial will take place in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.In appreciation for the loving and professional care shown to William through the years, memorial gifts would be appreciated to the Gateway Cardiology Center at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home