Charles "Cy" Parrish, Sr

Parrish

Charles Gilbert “Cy” Parrish, Sr. 96 passed away peacefully at his farm residence of 65 years on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. Cy was born third of six children to Homer D. and Mary Kathryn Blauser Parrish at home on their family farm in rural walnut Township near Millersport on March 20, 1917.
Cy grew up working on that farm until the consequences of the great depression resulted in the entire family moving to a smaller farm in 1933. Cy was probably the only remaining living member of the Millersport High School class of 1935.
Upon graduation Cy found what employment he could ranging from driving truck for the Millersport Honey Company to finally being employed by Ohio Fuel Gas where he learned to weld. Cy married Helen Lucille Alten on August 20, 1940. Together they travelled to numerous large cities where welders were needed until cy was drafted in to the U.S. Army and served in northern Italy during World War II.
Cy and Lucille were able to purchase a small farm in 1948 from his uncle near Hebron. They raised three sons, on this farm which had been in the Parrish family since 1860. Cy continued to work as an industrial pipe welder, working at local facilities including Pure Oil, Pacific resins, and finally O.D. Hollar and Son.
In 1962, Cy and Lucille decided to pursue farming as an occupation. Cy concluded his welding career and they purchased another farm parcel near their home. The farm business continues to operate today under family ownership.
Cy was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille, on February 5, 2008, brothers, John (Helen), Eugene (Lucille), Wayne, Homer Jr. (Mary Jane) and sister, Mary Kathryn Alexander. Beloved grandson, Joseph Edward Parrish also preceded Cy in death on July 4, 2005.
He is survived by sons, Charles Gilbert Parrish, Jr., Ed (Kathy) Parrish and Mark (Peggy) Parrish all of Millersport; grandchildren, Carrie (Josh) Flegle, Evan (Patty) Parrish and Eric Parrish; great-granddaughters, Adeline and Rylee Flegle; brother-in-law, Henry G. (Buddy) Alexander and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Alten. A special thank you to Amy Slocum his care provider for the last four years.
A private graveside service will be held Monday in Millersport Cemetery with Rev. Jerry Wiles officiating. Friends may visit Sunday, November 24, 2013 from 2-6 p.m. at the JOHNSON-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 207 S. MAIN ST., BALTIMORE, OHIO 43105.
Memorial gifts may be given to the Joe Parrish Memorial Scholarship Fund at any Fairfield National Bank branch office or Park National Bank in Cy’s memory.
To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.