Richard Parrish

Richard Lee Parrish was born September 24, 1943 to Newton and Edna (Hickey) Parrish in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  He was the youngest of six children born to this union.  Rich attended country schools and went to Tecumseh High School, graduating with the Class of 1961.

He was united in marriage to Rita Ann Masur on May 21, 1966 at the St. Mary Catholic Church in St. Mary, Nebraska.  This union was blessed with four sons, Steven Lee, Michael Lynn, Kevin Alan and Brian Patrick. 

After graduating from high school, Rich began working at IGA Grocery in Tecumseh, later Hutt Oil Company for many years, Brinkman Brothers, Larry’s Tire and Automotive and TO HAAS Tire for 19 years, retiring in 2014.  He also established Parrish Upholstery, Shoe and Tackle Repair for many years.

After his marriage to Rita, Rich joined St. Mary Catholic Church, until the couple moved to Tecumseh in 1970 and transferred their membership to St. Andrew.  Rich was a member of the Knights of Columbus for several years.  He joined the Army National Guard in 1964 and was honorably discharged in 1970, during the Vietnam Era. 

In his spare time, Rich liked to go hunting, fishing and attending activities involving their sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He was a member of the Tecumseh Fire Department for many years, also serving as the Assistant Fire Chief for several years.

When his health declined, Rich became a resident of the Good Samaritan Center in Syracuse, passing away there on May 16, 2025 at the age of 81 years.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Rita, sons, Mike (Jackie) Parrish, Kevin (Brenda) Parrish and Brian (Kiffin) Parrish, daughter-in-law Audra Parrish, grandchildren, Ashley (Josh) Behrends, Seth, Brady (Dana), Tyson, Tia, Tanner, Conner, Sidney, Hayden and Hadlee; great-grandchildren Marleigh, Foster and Jovie, sister Mildred Carman, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, son Steve “Dickie” Parrish, brothers and sisters in law, Jim and Eunice Parrish and Carl and Valerie Parrish, sisters and brothers in law, Maud and Wilmer Brinkman, Barb and Martin Miller, Delbert Carman and Darlene and Don Hatten and parents in law Mark and Bernice Masur. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 23, 2025 at the St. Andrew Catholic Church in Tecumseh, Nebraska with Father Christopher Kubat officiating.  A link to the livestream is available here: https://www.facebook.com/100057240888156/videos/1342817473466348  

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Nebraska.  Family will greet friends from 6-7 with rosary recited at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may go to the family’s choice.

Inurnment will be in the St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Tecumseh, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left @ www.wherrymortuary.com.

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