Paul W. Parrish

IN MEMORY OF: Paul W. Parrish Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Paul W. Parrish, 91, of Largo, FL left this world for his heavenly home, peacefully on June 23, 2025. He was born on February 22, 1934, in Vergennes, IL, to the late Robert and Alice (Robinson) Parrish, and was one of 10 children. Paul married his childhood sweetheart and the one and only love of his life, Viola Helen Hickman, on February 14, 1953. Their 72 years of marriage was a testament to his deep devotion and steadfast commitment. Together, they built a life full of love, family, faith, and many successful businesses. Paul began as a building contractor building homes and expanded into rental properties, hotels, recreation properties, and several other business ventures throughout Jackson County. He was a man of generosity and warmth, deeply rooted in his faith. As the spiritual leader of his home, Paul made sure his children grew up knowing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and all three were married in the family church he helped build. Church and family remained the center of his life. Paul loved and had a true gift of woodworking and working with his hands. He also had a playful side. His good-natured humor, silly jokes, and light-hearted pranks brought smiles to many and made time with him memorable. Whether camping, picnicking, churning homemade ice cream, playing board games, raising horses, or road tripping to 48 states, Paul treasured time with his family. His legacy is one of love, hard work, faith, and laughter. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him. Paul is survived by his daughter, Leola Bonham (Christopher) of Indian Rocks Beach, FL; son, Curtis Parrish (Karen) of St. Charles, MO and Son-In-Law, Donald Wright of Normal, IL. Seven grandchildren, James Carey Bonham (Amy) of Largo, FL; Natasha Irvine (Jonathan) of Portland, OR; Karissa Waller (Mark) of Arnold, MO; Christopher Parrish (Jenna) of Wentzville, MO; Lauren Sugar (Michael) of Chicago, IL; Lane Aguilera (Eric) of Los Angeles, CA; Logan Martin (Zach) of Milwaukee, WI. Fifteen great-grandchildren, Sage, Selah, Caden and Ava Bonham; Anastasia, Sebastian, Vera and Juno Irvine; Corbin, Peyton, Barron, Kolten Waller; Tyler, Nolan and Wesley Parrish. Sibling, Sharon Maynor (Richard), and countless nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa Carole Wright of Normal, IL; siblings, Thomas Parrish, Ira Parrish, Dorothy Davis, Irene Shewmaker, Mary Ferguson Parrish, Wiley Parrish, Sarah Doerr, and LulaBelle Boulden. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. at the Parrish Cemetery, Elkville Road, Vergennes, Illinois 62994. Visitation will be held at the cemetery beginning at 10:00 a.m. until service time. At 11:30 a.m., following the service, there will be a "Celebration of Life" at Vergennes Wesley United Methodist Church with lunch provided by Pat's BBQ. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Parrish Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund, 639 Weil Rd., Vergennes, IL 62994. Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is handling arrangements.

Paul W. Parrish

February 22, 1934 - June 23, 2025