Ben Parish

Benjamin Harrison "Ben" Parish, son of William Henry and Mary Elizabeth Ellen Crall Parish, was born March 4, 1924 in Camdenton, Missouri. He departed this life Friday, June 26, 2009 in Lake Regional Hospital, Osage Beach, Missouri at the age of eighty-five years, three months and twenty-two days. On April 24, 1952, Ben was united in marriage to Edrie Mae DeBerry and together they shared fifty-seven years until Edrie's passing on April 30, 2009. Ben was also preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arly Parish; and three sisters, Irene, Orene, and Dreama Parish. He is survived by his son, Doug Parish and wife Nancy of Camdenton, Missouri; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Bailey Parish, of Camdenton, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews, along with a host of other relatives and many friends. Ben was born on the family farm near Camdenton and spent his childhood there. He dedicated his life to working on the farm, ensuring that it would help to provide the things necessary for his family to have the best life possible. He cherished time spent working the farm with Doug and especially enjoyed the time spent working with Benjamin and Bailey, teaching them the necessary skills to making a farm successful. He also liked to watch the wild turkey and deer on the farm. He had accepted Christ as his Savior and was a member of Union Southern Baptist Church in Decaturville. Ben was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the wonderful memories he has created for his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at Union Southern Baptist Church near Decaturville, Missouri. Burial will follow in Garrison Cemetery near Camdenton, Missouri. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Monday at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.