Ellis O. Parrish, 85, of Mt. Erie, IL, formerly of Hammond, IN, died December 13, 2021, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL. He was born December 26, 1935, in Oblong, IL, the son of Elmer Everett & Sylvia Lucille (York) Parrish, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sylvia Parrish; his step-mother, Bernice Parrish; and a sister in infancy. He married Evelyn Joyce Allison on June 26, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Allison Parrish; by his granddaughter, Krystal Parrish Bennett; as well as several cousins.
Ellis lost his mother at a young age and grew up all over the area. He would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army, rebuilding airfields in Japan for much of his time in the service. Back stateside, he found work with the Queen Anne Candy Company for a time before getting laid off. Joyce took matters into her own hands and was able to get into contact with the fine folks at the Lasalle Steel Company, with whom he would spend the rest of his career as an operator.
Much of his time away from work found Ellis outside, be that hunting or fishing. He also helped Joyce oversee her Girl Scouts troop, which allowed him to take in God’s creation as well. They were staples at local auctions and rummage sales, events that provided them quite a social life. They loved hunting treasures alongside their friends, who will remember Ellis as an ornery, fun-loving soul who lived with strength and purpose. We will never forget him.
A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 20th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Burial will be in the Waggoner-Chauncey Cemetery, where military rites will be accorded by the combined units of the U.S. Army, the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorial contributions may be made to your local church or to the donor’s choice, with envelopes available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com.