Benny Parrish

August 10, 2020

Benny Parrish, son of Frank and Hazen Parrish, was born and raised on the family farm north of Walnut Grove, Missouri and, after courageous battle with heart disease since 1982, he departed this life on, Sunday, August 9, 2020 at the age of 83.

Ben was very small at birth. A neighbor told his father he wouldn’t live. His father said, “Dynamite comes in small packages.” Ben was baptized at age 13 and was a member of Eudora First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda; his children and step-children: Thresa Gardner, Greg Parrish-Ferguson, Julie Rice, Mollie Phillips, Mandy and Matthew Henry; grandchildren: Jacob and Caleb Gardner, Amber Hennessy, Hunter Parrish, Tylier and Hailey Hall and Nick Phillips; nine great grandchildren: Arianna Davis, Vincent, Elayna and Kira Gardner, Caiden and Chloe Hennessy, Nevaeh and Knoxxlee Parrish and Mason Ellison who was born on Ben’s birthday.

Ben enjoyed seeing and playing with his great grandchildren. He also has a great granddaughter, Ava, due in November. Survivors also include his brothers, Bob and Kay Parrish and sister, Veva Collins.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, David Parrish; sisters, Ruth Evans, Rosemary Lawson, Velma Edwards, and Jackie Schumacher.

Ben was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, garden and camp out. He also liked to travel, especially “out West.” He enjoyed reading and woodworking as well.

He operated a successful business, Parrish Gardens. He grew vegetables and strawberries and for many years took produce to the Farmer’s Market in Springfield. Then, his customers started coming out to the farm to buy his produce.

He sold not only to local folks but also to people out of state. He met so many wonderful people who, after he was unable to garden, continued to come see him.

He employed over 50 young people over the years and nothing pleased him more than to have them visit with their young families. He especially loved “Hurricane and Tornado,” the Anderson twins.

Ben was always willing to help and was a very caring person with a kind heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ben’s name to Oak Grove Cemetery or Integrity Hospice and may be left at the Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Ash Grove.

Visitation will be from 9:30 -11 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Eudora Baptist Church, Eudora, Missouri. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the church with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Walnut Grove, Missouri.