Richard Loren Parrish

Richard Loren Parrish, 81, of Cordell, Oklahoma passed away on April 29, 2014. He was born in Anadarko, Oklahoma on April 13, 1933 to Tullie and Lucille Parrish. He graduated from Anadarko High School then served his country in the US Army during the Korean War. Following his military service, Mr. Parrish married Lavada Ratliff on December 29, 1952. He worked in sales through Oklahoma Drug Company then owned and operated an independent Borden's franchise from which he retired in 1992. Richard and Lavada traveled the forty-eight continental states plus Alaska on their BMW motorcycle then continued their travels through the love of RVing. Retirement didn't suit him, so Richard contributed his time and skills to area farmers, served as a Texas State Park Volunteer for seventeen years, then at age 78 began a new career adventure with his buddy Dave Bryant as a driver for Safeway and Quality bus transport companies. Since 1963 he was a faithful member of Cordell First Baptist Church and called Jesus Christ his Savior and Lord. He endeared himself to those he met and to his community with his upbeat spirit, his trademark cheerful whistle, and exemplary work ethic.

Mr. Parrish is survived by his life-long love, his wife of sixty-one years Lavada. His children are Ricki Robertson and husband Jim, Dale Parrish and wife Lee Ann, and Cindy Harris. He was proud of his seven grandchildren Chris and Kelli Robertson, Craig Robertson, Ryan Parrish Robertson, Meagan Meadows and husband Josh, McKynna Teel, Zachary Loren Harris, as well as, his three great-grandchildren Molly and Macy Robertson and Luca Warde. Brothers Alfred, John, and Cloyd as well as numerous extended family members also survive Mr. Parrish.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ray and Martha's Funeral Home of Hobart. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cordell First Baptist Church on Friday, May 2 at 10:00 A.M. followed by burial at the Cordell Lawnview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Cordell First Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 287, Cordell, OK 73632.