Friend of many, loved by all, passed away at home in the loving arms of family after an extended illness with liver failure. Born in Sacramento, CA to the late Donald J. Parrish, Sr and Mary Ruth Morgan.
Life Achievements: Graduated from Miller Elementary School and Omaha North High School Class of 1961, Omaha Nebraska, Graduate of West Point Military Academy Class of 1965, Served in the military (Army) 21 years. Graduated Army Ranger school and Jump School. Served in Vietnam as Commander of a Field Artillery Battery, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, received the Bronze Star for Service, Meritorious Service Medal (1stOak Lead Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, United Nations Medal, Ranger and Parachute Badge, Army Advisor Badge, Overseas Service Bars. He graduated from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, CA where he received a Master’s degree in Operations Research and Development in 1973, assigned to the UN Peace Keeping Force after the Arab-Israeli War in 1974, Appointed as Professor of Mathematics at West Point Military Academy, Post Military Career Don worked as a Senior Systems Analyst for 21 years in defense related technologies, Lockheed Martin, He was honored by his high school alma mater, Omaha North Magnet High School in Omaha, Nebraska with a Viking of Distinction Award and Commemorative Medal in 1961. His portrait is on display in the school’s Hall of Distinction for outstanding achievement both professionally and personally.
He was an accomplished snow skier, runner and avid golfer. He enjoyed worldwide travel. He loved teaching his grandchildren and members of the Orlando Ski Club how to ski. He was a ski instructor at West Point Military Academy, Member of Senior Military Active Retired Travelers (SMART), Treasurer of Gold Coast Chapter and Buccaneer Chapters International Travelers. Past Board Member of Waterbridge Community Association, Winter Park, FL.
He is survived by his wife, Dr Sharon Koch-Parrish, APRN of Winter Park, FL; son Colonel National Guard (Ret) Mark Parrish (Julie, former state representative OR); their children Maxwell, Tucker and Gage of West Linn, OR, Sister Katherine Parrish and brother Dana Parrish of Omaha, Nebraska; Stepdaughter Christin Koch Stanton (Dr Jeffrey Stanton, DMV Research) and their children Jacob and Jordan Olivia in Beaverton, OR; Stepson Scott Koch (Luda), their child Gabrielle of St Louis, MO; sister in law Kay Kenney of DeLand, FL; brothers in law Ron Johnson (Susan), H. Michael Page (BJ), J. Joseph Page (Janelle) from MO; and, nieces & nephews. Don was predeceased by his father Donald J. Parrish, Sr and Mother, Mary Ruth Parrish and Brother, Douglas Parrish.
Don will be remembered as a mentor, an athlete, a scholar and friend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to liver research and transplantation FL Adventist Transplant Department and Mayo Transplantation Center in Jacksonville, FL He will rest in peace at his favorite places, West Point Military Academy, NY, Grandview Memorial Park, Hannibal, MO, Vail Mountain, and a local golf course. May God give him peace and rest.
Visitation at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 994 E. Altamonte Drive (at Ronald Reagan Blvd) Friday, February 12, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Visitation at 10:00am prior to 11:00am Memorial service on Saturday, February 13 at St John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 S. Orlando Avenue (1792), Winter Park, FL 32789.
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