Robert
Robert H. Parrish
Robert Hoyt Parrish was born at home in Otsego, Michigan on May 5, 1934, the second child of James & Naomi (Punches) Parrish. He was raised with four brothers and one sister in Otsego, Michigan.
Bob graduated from Otsego High School in 1952. Following graduation, Bob spent one year at North Park College in Chicago. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1954. He spent his time as a medic in OB and as a civilian dependent physcial therapist. He was honorably discharged in 1955 as an Airman 1
st
Class.
He married Nancy Lancaster on September 1, 1956 at the Otsego Baptist Church in Otsego, Michigan. His children followed soon after with son Robert Jr. arriving in 1957 and daughter Deborah in 1959.
Bob began his working career as a “Hiking Broke” and technician (paper tester) at Mac Sim Bar in Otsego, Michigan. He worked in sales and Management for D & C Stores in both Otsego & Kalamazoo. Bob started in the stockroom at JCPenney in Kalamazoo while attending Western Michigan University and worked his way up to Management with the company. He left Penney’s to work as an Insurance and Investment Broker with New York Life. Continuing as an Investment Broker, Bob also worked for E.F. Hutton, Robert W. Baird, J.P. Turner, and eventually worked independently. Bob had a knack for numbers and did well with each company he worked for. He also had a knack with people and made lifelong friends of most of his clients.
Bob & Nancy knew the importance of family & were blessed to be close to theirs. Bob& Nancy could often be found visiting with siblings, nieces & nephews. Holidays were not the only time to gather as a family. They found many occasions to either visit or host family. When the kids were in their teens, the family began camping at Spring Valley in Bloomingdale. They made lifelong friends with the owners, the Effners. Spring Valley sold in the late 70s and the Parrish family bought part of the land. Their fifty acres became their weekend and summer destination for many years. Family & friends were hosted there for reunions, birthdays, and more. Bob enjoyed working in the gardens, building barns, and caring for the property. He took pride in building play structures for his grandchildren to enjoy. Bob enjoyed working with his children & spearheaded many remodeling projects for them. He was extra proud of his grandchildren & often told friends & family alike of their accomplishments.
The Parrish family also traveled a lot. They visited with Nancy’s brother in Florida often. They enjoyed their time in Florida so much that they purchased a condo in Treasure Island in 1988. From that time on, the entire family went nearly every November for two weeks of quality family time. The also took their children and grandchildren on many special trips. They traveled to the Milwaukee Zoo, New York City, Niagara Falls, Arizona, the Smokey Mountains, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The experiences they gifted their family with were invaluable! The memories built were treasured times for sure!
Bob was an active member of many churches throughout his life including First Baptist of Otsego, Bethel Baptist, Grace Baptist, Calvary Bible & most recently Oakwood Bible. Bob served as Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. Bob raised his children in a home of faith, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of placing God first in their life. He prayed for his family daily.
Bob went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Jr. & Sheryl Parrish of Allegan; son-in-law, Robert Batey of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, Elizabeth & Eric Rittenberry of Florida, Thomas & Aime Batey of Kalamazoo and Nathan Parrish of Allegan; his brother, Jack & Judy Parrish of Otsego; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Parrish of Florida, Jackie Parrish of Otsego, Terri Parrish of Otsego, Irma Lancaster of Florida and Kathleen Patti of Arizona; his brothers-in-law, Michael & Pam Lancaster of Oregon and James Ellinger of Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Lindon & Maida Lancaster; daughter, Deborah Batey; brothers, James, Larry and Garry Parrish; sister, Jean Ellinger; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Lancaster and brother-in-law, James Lancaster.
A private family graveside service will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Oakwood Bible Church.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Robert H. Parrish
Condolence Messages
Terry and Beth Baumann
April 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Bob and Sheryl,
We are so sorry! Our prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Terri Parrish
April 9, 2020 at 2:48 pm
My Deepest Sympathy to the family. Bob will be dearly missed, He gave the biggest hugs. I always enjoyed when we all went to breakfast. Nancy and family your in my thoughts and prayers . I love all❤.
Reply
Sue Effner
April 9, 2020 at 5:02 pm
So sorry to hear this. We enjoyed many of your family get togethers over the years and a great friendship. Prayers to all of you.
Reply
Michelle Murphy
April 9, 2020 at 5:39 pm
Uncle Bob will truly be missed!! I’m so very sorry for your loss!! Love to you all!!
Reply
Vickie and Dave Batey
April 9, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family. Bob was a wonderful family man and will be greatly missed.
Reply
Lisa Pringle
April 9, 2020 at 8:08 pm
Nancy and family I so sorry for your loss I am absolutely heart broken for you . I loved always seeing you both come in with family or by yourselves for breakfast. Bob always made me laugh and smile. Prayers to you all.
Reply
Nola Tooker
April 9, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Bob and family prayers for all of you. What a nice man. Always so kind and had a big smile on his face. He surely will be missed by many.
Love Frank and Nola
Reply
Dan and Julia Wilson
April 9, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Nancy, Bob and Sheryl,
You are in our thoughts and prayers; he was truly a special man. Love from our home to yours.
Reply
Jackie Parrish
April 10, 2020 at 8:44 am
Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a real hugger, ! When we had parrish get togethers we always knew we would get a hug. We always had fun when Bob was around. Bob was more than family, also a good friend! We wii miss him! If you need to talk, I will be available, my prayers are with you, Love you, Jackie
Reply
Jerry Mastenbrook
April 10, 2020 at 10:30 am
My deepest sympathies to the family. Bob was a kind and generous man….always there with a smile and a friendly word. I always appreciated his support- from behind the scenes- of my Kalamazoo Christian basketball program.
May God give you His grace and peace in abundance.
In Christ, Jerry Mastenbrook
Reply
Neil and Sue
April 10, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Bob was not only our broker but graduated with my brother, George Hicks Jr.
He was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed. Neil and Sue Browne
Reply
Larry & Diane Delach
April 10, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Dear Nancy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a very special man. We hope that you will get through this period of grief & will be comforted by fond memories of good times spent with your Husband/Dad. The Homecrest Circle Association will be making a donation in his memory.
Reply
Carol Burhans Crislip
April 10, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Dear Nancy,
So sorry to hear about Bob. Heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire family.
Prayers for you and the family.
Carol Burhans Crislip
Reply
Becky Bromley
April 10, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My heart and thoughts are with you during this time. Praying for God’s indescribable peace to envelop you and comfort you.
Reply
Kathy patti
April 10, 2020 at 10:46 pm
I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. As long as I can remember he was a member of my family. I know he will be missed by the family. I will continue praying for all. I will always remember him with lpve
Reply
Tracy Parrish
April 11, 2020 at 3:15 pm
So Sorry For Your Loss. Sending Hugs and Prayers From Our Family To Yours.
Tracy, Seth and Carson Parrish
Reply
Roger newbauer
April 12, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Bob, may you Rest In Peace!
Reply
Scott & Julie VanderNoot
April 13, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Nancy:
Our deepest condolences. Bob was a very special person.
Reply
Marv and Marlene VanTuyl
April 15, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Marv and I want to extend our sympathies to you, Nancy, and the family. I have known Bob for many years back to when he sold me shoes at Penney’s. He has always been a friend and advisor when needed. Always a big smile. We will miss him greatly.
Reply
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Bob graduated from Otsego High School in 1952. Following graduation, Bob spent one year at North Park College in Chicago. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1954. He spent his time as a medic in OB and as a civilian dependent physcial therapist. He was honorably discharged in 1955 as an Airman 1
st
Class.
He married Nancy Lancaster on September 1, 1956 at the Otsego Baptist Church in Otsego, Michigan. His children followed soon after with son Robert Jr. arriving in 1957 and daughter Deborah in 1959.
Bob began his working career as a “Hiking Broke” and technician (paper tester) at Mac Sim Bar in Otsego, Michigan. He worked in sales and Management for D & C Stores in both Otsego & Kalamazoo. Bob started in the stockroom at JCPenney in Kalamazoo while attending Western Michigan University and worked his way up to Management with the company. He left Penney’s to work as an Insurance and Investment Broker with New York Life. Continuing as an Investment Broker, Bob also worked for E.F. Hutton, Robert W. Baird, J.P. Turner, and eventually worked independently. Bob had a knack for numbers and did well with each company he worked for. He also had a knack with people and made lifelong friends of most of his clients.
Bob & Nancy knew the importance of family & were blessed to be close to theirs. Bob& Nancy could often be found visiting with siblings, nieces & nephews. Holidays were not the only time to gather as a family. They found many occasions to either visit or host family. When the kids were in their teens, the family began camping at Spring Valley in Bloomingdale. They made lifelong friends with the owners, the Effners. Spring Valley sold in the late 70s and the Parrish family bought part of the land. Their fifty acres became their weekend and summer destination for many years. Family & friends were hosted there for reunions, birthdays, and more. Bob enjoyed working in the gardens, building barns, and caring for the property. He took pride in building play structures for his grandchildren to enjoy. Bob enjoyed working with his children & spearheaded many remodeling projects for them. He was extra proud of his grandchildren & often told friends & family alike of their accomplishments.
The Parrish family also traveled a lot. They visited with Nancy’s brother in Florida often. They enjoyed their time in Florida so much that they purchased a condo in Treasure Island in 1988. From that time on, the entire family went nearly every November for two weeks of quality family time. The also took their children and grandchildren on many special trips. They traveled to the Milwaukee Zoo, New York City, Niagara Falls, Arizona, the Smokey Mountains, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. The experiences they gifted their family with were invaluable! The memories built were treasured times for sure!
Bob was an active member of many churches throughout his life including First Baptist of Otsego, Bethel Baptist, Grace Baptist, Calvary Bible & most recently Oakwood Bible. Bob served as Youth Leader, Sunday School Teacher, and Sunday School Superintendent. Bob raised his children in a home of faith, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of placing God first in their life. He prayed for his family daily.
Bob went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, April 8, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; son and daughter-in-law, Robert Jr. & Sheryl Parrish of Allegan; son-in-law, Robert Batey of Kalamazoo; his grandchildren, Elizabeth & Eric Rittenberry of Florida, Thomas & Aime Batey of Kalamazoo and Nathan Parrish of Allegan; his brother, Jack & Judy Parrish of Otsego; his sisters-in-law, Barbara Parrish of Florida, Jackie Parrish of Otsego, Terri Parrish of Otsego, Irma Lancaster of Florida and Kathleen Patti of Arizona; his brothers-in-law, Michael & Pam Lancaster of Oregon and James Ellinger of Kalamazoo. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Lindon & Maida Lancaster; daughter, Deborah Batey; brothers, James, Larry and Garry Parrish; sister, Jean Ellinger; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Lancaster and brother-in-law, James Lancaster.
A private family graveside service will take place at Mountain Home Cemetery in Otsego.
A memorial service will be held at a later time.
Contributions in memory of Bob may be made to Oakwood Bible Church.
Messages of condolence may be posted at
www.winkelfuneralhome.com
.
Offer Condolence for the family of Robert H. Parrish
Condolence Messages
Terry and Beth Baumann
April 9, 2020 at 1:30 pm
Bob and Sheryl,
We are so sorry! Our prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Terri Parrish
April 9, 2020 at 2:48 pm
My Deepest Sympathy to the family. Bob will be dearly missed, He gave the biggest hugs. I always enjoyed when we all went to breakfast. Nancy and family your in my thoughts and prayers . I love all❤.
Reply
Sue Effner
April 9, 2020 at 5:02 pm
So sorry to hear this. We enjoyed many of your family get togethers over the years and a great friendship. Prayers to all of you.
Reply
Michelle Murphy
April 9, 2020 at 5:39 pm
Uncle Bob will truly be missed!! I’m so very sorry for your loss!! Love to you all!!
Reply
Vickie and Dave Batey
April 9, 2020 at 6:09 pm
Sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your family. Bob was a wonderful family man and will be greatly missed.
Reply
Lisa Pringle
April 9, 2020 at 8:08 pm
Nancy and family I so sorry for your loss I am absolutely heart broken for you . I loved always seeing you both come in with family or by yourselves for breakfast. Bob always made me laugh and smile. Prayers to you all.
Reply
Nola Tooker
April 9, 2020 at 8:38 pm
Bob and family prayers for all of you. What a nice man. Always so kind and had a big smile on his face. He surely will be missed by many.
Love Frank and Nola
Reply
Dan and Julia Wilson
April 9, 2020 at 9:36 pm
Nancy, Bob and Sheryl,
You are in our thoughts and prayers; he was truly a special man. Love from our home to yours.
Reply
Jackie Parrish
April 10, 2020 at 8:44 am
Nancy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a real hugger, ! When we had parrish get togethers we always knew we would get a hug. We always had fun when Bob was around. Bob was more than family, also a good friend! We wii miss him! If you need to talk, I will be available, my prayers are with you, Love you, Jackie
Reply
Jerry Mastenbrook
April 10, 2020 at 10:30 am
My deepest sympathies to the family. Bob was a kind and generous man….always there with a smile and a friendly word. I always appreciated his support- from behind the scenes- of my Kalamazoo Christian basketball program.
May God give you His grace and peace in abundance.
In Christ, Jerry Mastenbrook
Reply
Neil and Sue
April 10, 2020 at 2:08 pm
Bob was not only our broker but graduated with my brother, George Hicks Jr.
He was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed. Neil and Sue Browne
Reply
Larry & Diane Delach
April 10, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Dear Nancy & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Bob was a very special man. We hope that you will get through this period of grief & will be comforted by fond memories of good times spent with your Husband/Dad. The Homecrest Circle Association will be making a donation in his memory.
Reply
Carol Burhans Crislip
April 10, 2020 at 5:27 pm
Dear Nancy,
So sorry to hear about Bob. Heartfelt sympathy to you and the entire family.
Prayers for you and the family.
Carol Burhans Crislip
Reply
Becky Bromley
April 10, 2020 at 10:12 pm
Dear Nancy, I was so sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. My heart and thoughts are with you during this time. Praying for God’s indescribable peace to envelop you and comfort you.
Reply
Kathy patti
April 10, 2020 at 10:46 pm
I am so sorry for the loss of Bob. As long as I can remember he was a member of my family. I know he will be missed by the family. I will continue praying for all. I will always remember him with lpve
Reply
Tracy Parrish
April 11, 2020 at 3:15 pm
So Sorry For Your Loss. Sending Hugs and Prayers From Our Family To Yours.
Tracy, Seth and Carson Parrish
Reply
Roger newbauer
April 12, 2020 at 7:45 pm
Bob, may you Rest In Peace!
Reply
Scott & Julie VanderNoot
April 13, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Nancy:
Our deepest condolences. Bob was a very special person.
Reply
Marv and Marlene VanTuyl
April 15, 2020 at 12:04 pm
Marv and I want to extend our sympathies to you, Nancy, and the family. I have known Bob for many years back to when he sold me shoes at Penney’s. He has always been a friend and advisor when needed. Always a big smile. We will miss him greatly.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
*
Comment
*
Name
*
*
Δ
Obituary Notification Service
Enter your email address if you would like to be notified when a new obituary notice is posted:
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How do I send a condolence
At the bottom of this page, you will find a condolence form. You will need to fill out some basic information prior to typing your message. (We will not share your e-mail address with anyone) Once you are finished, simply click the submit condolence button. The condolence will be approved before it is published to the web site.
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