John Parrish, Jr.

Col (Ret) John A. Parrish, Jr., 93, formerly of California, passed away on March 31, 2025. He and his wife moved to Tell City from Texas in 2022 to be closer to their family.

He was born in Tokio, Texas on July 29, 1931, the son of John, Sr. and Madaline (Glasgow) Parrish.

John received a bachelor’s degree in business economics and retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Air Force where he had a highly decorated military career. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion.

After his military retirement in 1983, he worked in the administration of the Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii. He continued to serve the communities of Hawaii as the Director of the American Red Cross and various other civil servant organizations. He was well known for his role as the Civil Air Patrol Wing Commander from Jan 1985 – Jan 1994.

In 1948, John enlisted in the new Air Force in Pasadena, CA. His military career spanned 35 years and he experienced and participated in moments in history such as the Berlin Airlift as a mechanic and the Vietnam War as a B-26 pilot. His military career took him around the world to places as England, Japan, Germany, the Pentagon (DC), Philippines, and his final duty station as Wing Commander of the 15th Air Base Wing at Hickam AFB, Hawaii. Aside from his impressive military career, John was a pillar of strength and a beacon of love for his blended family. He was a man of immense humor and wisdom, cherishing every moment spent with his loved ones. His passion for the environment and his unwavering spirit will forever be remembered. John was a dedicated husband and father and his absence leaves a void in our hearts.

Surviving is his wife of 51 years, Verna “Dennie” (Bromagem); children, Jan Parrish (Dennis Hubbard), Martin Twilla (Cindy), Neil Twilla (Heather) and Michelle Powers (Billy); grandchildren, Evan Roxanne Parrish, Victoria Twilla, Niko Twilla, Mariah Bryant (Tim), Emily Porter, Alexandra Parrish, Coy Beaver, Emalee Estes (Josh), Bailey Powers, Devyn Powers and Ryleigh Powers; great grandchildren, Zaylee and Emslee Estes, Briggs Brooks, Lincoln Gunter and Adam and Lucy Bryant and a niece, Carrie Houchin (Brian).

He was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr. and Madaline Parrish, a son, Mark Parrish and a brother Ivan Keith Parrish.

As per John’s wishes, there will be no services. Future burial and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Huber Funeral Home, Tell City Chapel, is assisting his family with his arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Five Acres, 760 W. Mountain View Street, Altadena, CA 91001. Five Acres is a home for youth for which held a special place in John’s heart for many years.