Leon Parrish

Leon Parrish, aged 95, passed away peacefully in his home on April 6th, 2025, surrounded by family.

Leon was born in Holliday, Missouri on July 12, 1929. He was the last remaining of 13 siblings. He served in the Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. He received his degree from the University of Missouri in Civil Engineering and worked with the Missouri Highway Department before moving to NM to work for Sandia National Laboratories. He married Dorothy Armstrong on April 27, 1952 and they had 4 children. Leon and Dorothy were lifelong members of Sombra Del Monte Christian church where Leon served as Deacon and Elder, among other roles. Leon was National Chief of YMCA Indian Guides and Scoutmaster of Boy Scouts Troop 285, where he received the Silver Beaver Award, the God and Church Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Leon was a hard worker and took good care of his family, enjoyed baseball and basketball, camping and fishing, and traveling, especially with Dorothy in the Roadrunner RV Club. Leon is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy, and his 4 children: Brenda Parrish, Janice Parrish, Ron Parrish, and Steve Parrish (Sandy), his 3 grandchildren: Jennifer Parrish Mattingly, Joshua Parrish (Kennedy), and Lauren New (Wesley), and his 3 great-grandchildren: Conrad Parrish, Brooks Parrish, and Carson New.

Dorothy remembers him as a loyal father, church member, hard worker, good husband, wonderful Grampy, and Godly man. When he had a church position, he was always right there to serve. He was an Elder and a leader of the Regional Assembly. He was always a dependable person.