Lonnie Parrish

May 14, 1932 -

Apr 14, 2021

With deep sadness, we announce that Lonnie Parrish, 88, of Fairbanks, Alaska, passed away from this life on April 14, 2021.

Lon was born May 14, 1932, in Childress, Texas, to Arthur and Tressie Parrish, the youngest of four boys with one baby sister: Vaughn (Jean) Parrish of Colorado, Clarence (Betty) Parrish of Colorado, Jesse (Donna) Parrish of Texas, and Mary Ann (Ron) Parrish of Colorado. He was preceded in death by all his parents, as well as his siblings and their spouses.

Lon served in the U.S. Army Infantry as a combat veteran. Lon held a variety of jobs after leaving the military, including work as an electrical engineering assistant, electrical pole climber and as a contractor on log building repairs. Lon was dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lon married Sandra Sue Carroll in North Pole, Alaska, at Santa Claus House on July 11, 1975. Together they had seven children: Monte (Linda) Parrish; Kathleen Parrish of Las Vegas, Nev.; Patricia Brunson of Las Vegas; Richard (Nancy) Parrish of Las Vegas; Christopher (Lori) Meltvedt; Sean (Mary Gannett) Meltvedt of Fairbanks; and Patrick (Brenda Ballou) Parrish-Messner of Seward, Alaska. Lon leaves behind his wife of 46 years and many of his children. He was preceded in death by Monte and Linda Parrish, who passed in a small aircraft accident near Ruth Glacier; Christopher Meltvedt, who passed in a snowmachine accident; and Nancy Parrish, who passed due to cancer.

Lon and Sandie's first grandchild was Kathleen's son Greg Sterle, who has five children of his own, including Katrina and Joe Miller, who gave Lon and Sandie their first great-great-grandchild: Evie.

Lon was deeply loved by his wife Sandie and will be greatly missed.

There will be a graveside service at Northern Lights Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, at 3 p.m. Condolences can be mailed to Sandie Parrish at P.O. Box 60264, Fairbanks, AK 99706.