Willie “Mitch” Mitchell Parish, Sr., 81, of Francesville, passed away at his home on Friday morning, March 24, 2017, surrounded by his family. He was born in Tompkinsville, Kentucky on March 2, 1936. He was the son of the late Eddie H. and Thelma J. (Strode) Parish. He graduated from Medaryville High School and had been a resident of Francesville for over 50 years.

After high school, Mitch enlisted in the U.S. Army and served for two years while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. On August 25, 1962, in Medaryville, Mitch married the love of his life, D. Jean Neely. They were married for 54 years and had recently renewed their wedding vows on February 2, 2017. He was also baptized the same day at 80 years of age.

Mitch was a manager for the Farm Bureau Co-op. He retired from the Indiana State Highway Dept. He was a Reserve Deputy for the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office, a volunteer EMT, and an active fireman for 49 years. He was Past President of the Indiana Volunteer Firefighter’s Association from 1992-1994, and was an active member of the National Volunteer Fire Council. He was a 50-year member of both the Masonic Lodge and the Scottish Rite, and was a former Shriner. He attended the United Methodist Church.

He enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing horseshoes and games, and spending time with his family, especially his precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mitch is survived by his loving wife Jean Parish; three daughters: Jennifer (Mike) Tetzloff, Christina (Steve) Shorter, and Marilyn (Jonn) Bernal; one son, Willie M. (Nonie) Parish, Jr.; eleven grandchildren: Katie (Isaac), Joey, and Rachel Tetzloff; Trent and Tiffani Shorter; Sara and Jonn Bernal; Kayla Jean (Tyler) Fox, Morgan, Christopher, and Jared Parish; three great-grandchildren: Wyatt and Hudson Fox; and Emmett Tetzloff; two brothers: Herman (Janet) Parish and Alvin (Rana) Parish; three sisters: Wilma Miller, Olene Dahler, and Nancy (Jim) Aldridge; one sister-in-law: Elaine Parish; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; one brother, Lawrence “Sam” Parish; and one brother-in-law, John Dahler.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 26, 2017 from 2-8 p.m. EST/1-7 p.m. CST at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Masonic Service will be held on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. EST/5:30 p.m. CST; and an Indiana Volunteer Firefighter Memorial Service will be held at 7 p.m. EST/6 p.m. CST, all in the funeral home chapel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 27, 2017 at 10 a.m. EST/9 a.m. CST at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer with Rev. Joe Spear officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at McKinley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Winamac. Contributions in Mitch’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association. For memorials to the IVFA, make checks payable to: "Bridgeport Scholarship Fund". Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.