Mark Parish

Visitation will be held 5:30 to 6:30 PM on Thursday at Hampton Vaughan Crestview Funeral Home in Wichita Falls, TX.

Mark was born July 17, 1949, in Wichita Falls, Texas to James and Vivian Parish. He graduated from Wichita Falls High School and then enlisted in the Air Force Reserve. Mark married the love of his life Diana August 30, 1969, and he began to work with his father-in-law David Andrews, Sr. Mark later went on to own Big State Welding until he retired. Mark spent time as a Free Mason and served on the Shriner’s Mounted Patrol. In retirement Mark spent most of his days pursuing his love for farming and ranching. Those who knew Mark know he loved his cattle. He was a devoted father to his daughters, Traci and Jana, and a loving grandfather to all his granddaughters. He always enjoyed taking them to check cattle with him. Mark’s family joked that he was a man of many lives. Always prone to the worst possible accidents, he always bounced back ready to take on life. He was hardworking and could handle any problem with some careful thought.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Keith and Cary, and granddaughter Reagan. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diana Parish of Wichita Falls; his daughter Traci Gutierrez of Wichita Falls and her husband Ernie; his daughter Jana Mies of Overland Park, Kansas and her husband Pat; his granddaughters Bailey, Kelsey, Emma and Abby; two sister’s in-laws Penny Crutcher Parker, Cindy Parish and Sister In Law Anna Andrews.

The family would like to thank you for the love and support received during Mark’s difficult battle with this disease. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Parkinson’s Foundation at parkinson’s.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at hamptonvaughancrestview.com for the Parish family.