Melvin Art Parrish

Parrish worked until the end to provide for the family he loved.

He was born March 29, 1921 in Maysville, Okla., to father James Albert Parrish and mother Anna Birdie Dotson. Both preceded him in death.

Parrish resided and attended school in Enid, Okla.

He served in the U.S. Army in 1944-45 and saw combat in the Philippines and Okinawa with 96th Infantry Division (“Deadeyes”). He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for combat in Okinawa. He attended reunions with the Deadeyes for 37 years.

Parrish retired in 1985 as construction superintendent after 22 years. Before that, he worked as a painting and remodeling contractor for 21 years.

He married Trisa V. Perez on Aug. 31, 1962. She preceded him in death Nov. 1, 2007.

He was a father to four stepchildren: Arnold Perez of Commerce City; Sylvia Nelms, Denver; Madeline Sisson, Commerce City (who preceded him in death in 2007); Cynthia Boggs, Commerce City. He had 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter.

He is survived by two daughters: Alice Moldenhauer, Watsonville, Calif.; Mary Ann Mentel, Okla. City, Okla.

He was preceded in death by brothers: Ollie C. Parrish, James Merle Parrish; half-brother William D. Clifton; stepfather Charley Clifton; sisters Marie Tappan and Ola Mae Parrish; and best friends: Former Army buddy Tom Martin of Creston, Wash.; Augustin Neurauter (Uncle Bogie) and Franklin Nicholson of Salem, Ind.

Funeral services are at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Olinger Crown Hill Chapel, West 29th Ave. and Wasdworth Blvd., Wheat Ridge.