Robert Franklin Parrish Sr.

Robert Franklin Parrish Sr., 81, of Indianapolis, formerly of Putnamville and Greencastle, died Sunday, May 23, 2010, at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis following an extended illness.

Born Dec. 1, 1928, he was the son of Robert Joseph Parrish and Mildred Lorene Alvord Parrish. His stepmother was Lola Margaret Hardman Parrish.

He was united in marriage to Mildred Ruth Barnes Parrish June 16, 1948.

He remarried Geneva Rose Parrish July 28, 1962.

He was employed as a supervisor with Conrail/CSX and retired from the railroad in the mid-80s. "Bob," as he was called by most people who knew him, was a fisherman and loved to squirrel and rabbit hunt.

His greatest passion most of his life, however, was for automobile racing. He went many years to the Indianapolis 500 and down to Florida for the races at Daytona. He shook the hand of many NASCAR racers over the years.

In his early years, Mr. Parrish attended the Church of God in Greencastle. His dear friend, Pastor Bob, came to visit him at home regularly and they had many long talks together. It was on one of those occasions that Mr. Parrish accepted the Lord into his heart. He testified of that to many friends and family over the last couple years of his life. He felt the Good Lord had a purpose in keeping him here as long as He did.

Mr. Parrish was preceded in death by his parents, brother William Eugene Parrish, daughter VaLinda Jean Parrish Levitt, brother-in-law Albert Floyd O'Neal Sr., nephew Albert Floyd "Bud" O'Neal Jr. and stepmother Lola Margaret Parrish.

He is survived by his wife Geneva Parrish; son Robert Franklin "Robbie" Parrish of Indianapolis; daughters Diana Lee Parrish Stepp and husband Danny of Winchester, Ky. and Janis Faye Parrish Reinhardt and husband Lee Lynn Reinhardt of Bradenton, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and extended family.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Floral Park Cemetery. Flanner-Buchanan Funeral Home on Holt Road in Indianapolis is handling the cremation and burial.