June 21, 1931 — March 1, 2018

Andrew Ernest Parrish, 86, of Niles, met the Lord peacefully Thursday morning, March 1, 2018, surrounded by his family in Lakeland Health Center in Niles.

He was born June 21, 1931, in Kalamazoo, the oldest of three sons born to Ernest and Areta Parrish. He married Marcia Marie Barrs in 1954 in Cassopolis, Michigan. They were divorced in 1976. He then married Hazel Elaine Sossoman Haines in 1977 in Cassopolis, Michigan. She survives.

Andy served honorably in the U.S. Navy stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He served two years aboard the USS Coral Sea CV43, an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic Sixth Fleet. Andy’s favorite places of call were Italy, Spain, and the beaches of Cuba when it was still friendly. One of his favorite memories was how the dolphins and porpoises would follow the ship across the ocean.

Andy’s family remembers him as someone who always had a positive attitude and who was always able to make friends with people. As a father, he was stern but loving and always stood behind his children. Andy grew up in Cassopolis and never lost his love of the people and the area. He was also a former member of the Backus Lodge, F & AM, of Cassopolis.

Andy was a longtime member of Cassopolis United Methodist Church, singing in the choir and serving as Sunday School Director. He served as a reserve officer on the Cassopolis Police Department. He also served on the Cassopolis Ambulance Service. Andy retired in 1987 from National Standard in Niles. He also worked at the Post Office in Cassopolis.

Andy will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of over forty years, Elaine Parrish of Niles; four sons, Robert (Rita) Parrish of Edwardsburg, Larry (Jamie) Haines of Mishawaka, Gary (Kimberly) Haines of Buchanan, Carl (Hope) Haines of Cassopolis; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandson (and a soon to be born great-great granddaughter); one brother, Wilbur (Joyce) Parrish of Fresno, California; and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Randy Parrish; and one brother, Paul Parrish.

Family and friends will gather Sunday, March 4, 2018, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis. Funeral services will be held Monday, March 5, 2018, from noon until time of service at 1 p.m. in Pleasant View Church of Christ, 60550 Crooked Creek Road (corner of M 60), Cassopolis, where Mr. Parrish will be accorded full Military Honors.

Mr. Parrish’s remains will be laid to rest in Young’s Prairie Cemetery in Penn Township, Michigan.

The family prefers contributions in Andrew’s memory be made to Pleasant View Church of Christ, 60550 Crooked Creek Road, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis.

Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.