Bernie Lee Parrish, 71, of Ottumwa died at 8:16 a.m. July 8, 2026 at his home.
He was born August 26, 1954 in Ottumwa. He married Sandra Joy Foster July 14, 1979.
A graduate of Ottumwa High School, Bernie served 33 years in the US Army and the Iowa Army National Guard.
He was a member of First Pentecostal Assembly of God and Elks Lodge #347. Bernie was also a member of Walter B. Schafer Post # 775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion and served on the Honor Guard.
Bernie enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors. He especially enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. He knew how blessed his life was and was always the life of the party.
Surviving is his wife, Sandy; children, Tracy Caldwell (John Vanderhoof), Travis (Steph) Parrish and Joshua Foster; 6 grandchildren, Blaine, Mariah, Presley, Quincy, Alijah and Jayden; 7 great grandchildren; siblings, John Cook, Jack Cook Jr., Larry Cook, Mark Cook and Mike Cook.
He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Betty and Jack Cook; a granddaughter, Lisa Marie Caldwell and her daughter, Zoey; sister, Betty Denise; and a stillborn brother, Delmer Cook.
His body has been cremated. Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Monday, July 13th at First Pentecostal Assembly of God with Pastor Richard Schlotter and Chaplain Doug McAntire officiating. Family will be present to greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Inurnment will be in Ottumwa Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Walter B. Schafer Post # 775 Veterans of Foreign Wars and O.B. Nelson Post #3 American Legion.
Memorials may be made to the VFW Honor Guard or Heartland Humane Society.
