Parrish Jr., Marion Barlow

Marion Barlow Parrish Jr., 81, a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away on Jan. 5, 2012. Funeral services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids by Mary Arnold. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery.

Marion Barlow Parrish Jr. was born Jan. 3, 1931, in Everton, Ark., the son of Monroe Barlow Parrish and Mary Mae (Fowler) Parrish.

Marion met his future wife, Alma Spencer, when she was 6 ½ days old, and they married Nov. 18, 1953, when she was 16 years old. Marion and Alma was a truly happy couple. Even after Alzheimer's disease took his memory, Marion insisted they renew their marriage vows. On Nov. 19, 2011, a quiet ceremony was held with Marion proudly speaking his vows to the woman he loved.

Marion (Jr.) began working on the Rock Island Railroad in 1947 at age 16. He started as a messenger and worked his way up to engineer. Marion took two years away from the railroad to proudly serve in the Army. He crossed the Arctic Circle and became a “Brother Blue Nose.” Marion remained employed by the Rock Island Lines until they filed for bankruptcy in 1980. He then moved to Denver, Colo., and worked for the Colorado Southern Railroad. Marion retired as ‘engineer adviser' from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1993. After retirement he worked part-time at Hy-Vee on Wilson Avenue.

While living in Colorado, he made many friends and had several pen pals from Australia. He was able to travel to Australia on two occasions.

Upon return to Iowa, Marion and Alma became snowbirds, traveling to Texas and Phoenix, Ariz., during the winter months, often accompanied by sister-in-law, Shirley (Larry) King. In celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary, they traveled to California and back on the Amtrak.

Marion was a member of El Kahir Shrine (clown unit), Mount Herman Masonic Lodge, Malta Chapter of Eastern Star, and Rainbow Dad for Cedar Rapids Assembly No. 11.

Left behind to celebrate Marion's life are his wife of 58 years, Alma; and their children, Bonnie (Jeff) Dougherty, Connie (Dave) Heidemann and Doug (Carol) Parrish. Marion's grandchildren are Jeremiah (Shannon) Parrish, Ryan Parrish, Bryan (Angela) Baer, Joe (Angela), Heather (Clint), and Jennifer Dougherty, Chris (Courtney) and Kelsey Heidemann. Great-grandchildren are Brody, Chloe, Madison and Brooklyn Parrish, Jade Bieber, Max and Ava Farley, Lily Keenen, Bella, Josie, Dalton, Lexie, Laynie Dougherty and Hayley Leppert. Marion is also survived by his sister, Evelyn (Emil) French; Chuck (Kelly) Baer; several brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Preceding Marion in death were his parents; and his mother- and father-in-law, Alvin and Ruby Spencer. Marion also had several brothers and sisters precede him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Goedken and the staff at the Villages in Marion. There are no words to express our gratitude for the loving care given to Marion by the Memory Care Unit staff and hospice staff.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or Hospice Compassas.

Military rites will be provided by American Legion Post 727.

Please sign the online guest book for Marion at  under obituaries.

Published Jan. 7, 2012, in The Gazette