David L. Parish, 65, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, formerly of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday (August 2, 2012) at his home.

The son of Alva Loyd and Viola M. (Stutsman) Parish, he was born April 15, 1947 in Edina, Missouri. On April 6, 1969 in Kirksville, Missouri, David was united in marriage to Mary Kay Church.

David is survived by his wife Kay; his mother, Viola Parish of Edina, MO; one daughter, Kerri Jane Schwaner of Louisville, KY; four brothers and two sisters-in-law, Ronnie and Pam Rourke of Vandalia, MO, Donnie Rourke of Parson, KS, Glennon and Jane Parish of Parson, KS and Gary Parish; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Velva and Clinton Steele of LaPlata, MO, and Phyllis Gordon of Shelbyville, MO; one grandson, William Schwaner of Louisville, KY, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father; one son, Brian; two brothers, Fred Rourke and Stephen Parish; two sisters, Carroll Hoffman and Melissa Jo McGlothlin and two brothers-in-law, Bruce Hoffman and Harold “Shorty” Gordon.

David was a graduate from Knox County High School with the Class of 1965. From 1966 to 1969, he served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Campaign Stars, Air Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, 2 Overseas Bars, the Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Badge. After being honorably discharged, David returned to the area where resided on a farm in rural Adair County, He enjoyed working with his cattle, putting up hay and enjoying the true country life. He was employed as quality control manager for Standard Register in Kirksville, from 1971 to 2003 when it closed. At that time David transferred to Fayetteville, Arkansas, where he continued working for Standard Register until retiring in 2007. At the time of his death, David was working part-time at Butterfield Trail Village Retirement Center in Fayetteville.

David enjoyed wood working where he made many pieces of furniture for his daughter, Kerri, and wooden swords for his grandson William. He also made several planter boxes for friends and family. He loved spending time with his grandson golfing and fishing and this past week taught William how to drive. David was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sadly missed.

While residing in Kirksville, David was an East Center 4-H leader, helped get the new fire station for the Northern Fire District started and was serving on the NEMO District Fair Board when they moved to the new location. He was also a member of Locust Hill Community Church. After moving to Arkansas, David was a member of V.F.W. Post 15004.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday (August 7, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral home, with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be John Hoffman, David Hoffman, Brian Bloskovich, Stanley Bowen, Bob Crisp and Cecil Billington.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday (August 8, 2012) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Chaplain Carol Davenport presiding. Eulogies will be given by Scott Parish and Lacy (Church) Oesch. Interment with military honors will follow the service at Sabbath Home Cemetery, east of Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of David Parish may be made to Sabbath Home Cemetery or to the Fayettteville Senior Center. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.