John David Parrish, 85, of Falls City, passed away March 28, 2019, in Falls City. He was born on the family farm near Rulo, on February 26, 1934, to Ray and Lorena (Vaughn) Parrish
John graduated Falls City High School 1952. He served in the U. S. Army from March of 1954 to March of 1956. He studied Diesel Mechanics at Nebraska State Trade School at Milford, graduating in 1956.
He married Barbara Babbitt on August 11, 1957, in Falls City. He worked for Bob and Dick Gibson at Falls City Truck and Implement Company for many years leaving after a change of ownership and then working briefly for Falls City Meat Company. He started Tri-State Tractor Repair in 1981 with his friend Gerald Fritz. Upon retiring in 1994 he substituted driving bus routes for District 56, later driving full time and helping repair and maintain the busses until retiring in 2005. He enjoyed working for and helping with harvest for friends Lowell Keithley and Sons for several years.
John was a member of First United Methodist Church serving in various positions. He was a member of Falls City Elks Club, American Legion of Falls City and served on the school board from 1982 until 1986, serving as president from 1984 until 1986. He was a twelve-gallon blood donor. He served on the Rural Fire Department from 1982 until 1994. He loved animals, square dancing, water and snow skiing, motorcycling, camping, bowling and spending time with family and friends. In his later retirement, he especially enjoyed coffee time with his buddies.
Having suffered with Parkinson’s disease with quiet dignity for several years, John is survived by his wife of sixty-one years, Barbara, daughter, Beverly Parrish of Hickman, sons, Jim and his wife Lori of Auburn, Doug and his wife Judy of Falls City, grandchildren, Amanda Nielsen and her husband Lars, Thomas Parrish and his wife Maggie, Emily Crotty and her husband Brett, Mallory Fink and her husband Jake, Maggie Barnhill and her husband Reed, Rachel and Lauren Parrish, great-grandchildren, Luka and Nora Nielsen, Elijah and John Parrish, Ava, Cooper and Haddie Crotty. He is also survived by his faithful dog Mini. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Julia Ann.
His family will greatly miss his gentle, kind nature, always unselfish and placing family first.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 11:00 AM at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Young Je Kim officiating. Inurnment will be in Steele Cemetery. Graveside military honors by Falls City Ceremonial Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be made to family choice
No viewing or visitation, friends may sign the guest book during regular business hours at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
