Jerry Parish

Jerry A. Parish, 85, of Churubusco, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024, at Park Place Senior Living, Fort Wayne. He was born in Churubusco on December 7, 1938, to the late Orville and Grace (Deen) Parish. He spent his formative years in Churubusco and graduated from Churubusco High School in 1956. Jerry was married to Nancy L. Bower on September 16, 1960, at Churubusco United Methodist Church. Together the couple raised three sons. She preceded him in death on May 30, 2022, after 61 years of marriage. Jerry spent his life in his beloved hometown working at Raypole Standard for three years before, dedicating 23 years to International Harvester in Fort Wayne, until his retirement in 1980. After retirement, he found joy in serving as a custodian at Smith-Green Community Schools for 16 and half years. He served as Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 81 and was a member of the Order of the Scouting Arrow Committee for three years. He also served on the Smith-Green Charitable Trust Fund-Committee and was a past member of the Churubusco Lions Club. Jerry was often found outdoors, whether he was fishing, camping, or tending to his garden. His greatest joy, however, was being a dad to his three sons and a grandpa. Jerry is survived by his sons, David (Debbie) Parish, Gary Parish, and Jeff (Leeann) Parish; a brother, Arden (Jeanne) Parish; eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. In addition to his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Brian and Dale Parish; his sister, Juanita Deerwester; and a grandson, Matthew David Parish. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Pathway Community Church, with calling taking place one hour prior to the service. The family will also receive family and friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home, Churubusco Chapel, on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Lindenwood Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Churubusco History Center. Sheets & Childs Funeral Home has been entrusted with these arrangements.