Myles Edwin Parham

Myles is survived by two daughters, LaDonna Williams and Mila Binger (husband Ron). He is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Myles was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Margurite; his son, Michael; his mother, Lottie; his father, Thomas; and stepfather, Pa Rhodes; and his brothers, Cecil, Andrew, Herman, and Giles.

Myles often shared stories from his early years—working in the fields alongside his mother, carrying water from the well (and sometimes the creek) back to their home, and, as the youngest, much of it would spill into the dirt before he reached his destination. He shared memories over time, including mischievous antics that jumped from the pages of a Mark Twain novel: skipping school to go fishing, or slipping a book into his “britches” to soften the spanking he knew was coming. As the family moved to follow seasonal crops, their journey eventually brought them to Bakersfield, where the Parham family made their last move and put down roots.

Myles graduated from East High School and enlisted in the Navy soon after. He served beginning in 1951 and was honorably discharged in 1955, carrying forward the discipline and dependability that marked so much of his working life.

During his high school years, he met the love of his life, Margurite Lemucchi. They were married for 64 years and raised three children: LaDonna, Michael, and Mila.

Myles was never without a job. He worked at the Bakersfield Inn, the Hilton Inn, and later with the Arvin School District, where he served as Supervisor over all maintenance and electrical crews.

In retirement, Myles spent his years traveling and camping with his wife, visiting the casino, enjoying BBQs with family and friends, and remaining, always, the best “fix it man.” His life was full, and in his own words, “I did it my way.”

A Committal Service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, California 93306, on July 16, 2026, at 12:45 pm.