Donald Ray Parrish

Donald Ray Parrish, 77, of Midwest City, passed away February 21, 2018 in Midwest City. He was born July 2, 1940 in El Reno, Oklahoma, the son of Noel and Thelma (Palmer) Parrish. Donald had lived in this area most of his life and was a 1958 graduate of Midwest City High School. He was also a 1961 graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Following graduation he began a 33 year career at Tinker Air Force Base in Homeland Security as a Systems Analyst. He was also an instructor for top secret missions, as well as a software engineer for weaponry. Donald was a gunsmith and a skilled knife maker. He enjoyed hunting and fireworks. He took special pride in his family and loved spending time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Cheryl Parrish and sisters, Anita Cross, Jean Arnold and Alta Williams. Donald is survived by his wife Carol of Midwest City; daughter, Kristy Thurman and husband Jerry of Oklahoma City; step-daughter, Denise Pickens of St. Petersburg, Florida; sister, Vera Lowder-Lakin of Del City; grandchildren, Ian Parrish, Kristian Parrish, Laurin Orr, Kelley Pickens and Jacob Thurman. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018 from 2pm to 6 pm. Funeral services will be held Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 2pm at the Chapel of Sunny Lane Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Sunny Lane Cemetery.