Merrel Richard “Rick” Parrish, 78, of Collinsville, passed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital.

He was born on July 28, 1947, in East St. Louis, the son of the late Merrel Winfred and Vivian Maxine (Wheatley) Parrish.

Rick served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He also served 32 years at Hazelwood Ford Plant and a member of UAW Local 325 as a union representative. He was very dedicated to his position, but also throughout his entire life. Rick dearly loved his family and friends, and was even more loved by others. He enjoyed tinkering in his garage on multiple projects any and every day, and collecting anything and everything. His life was full of pride through all of his grandchildren, family, and friends. He also enjoyed a passion for barbecuing and perfecting his secret sauce, or any other interesting recipe he could craft up.

He married Barbara Lewis on May 3 of 1969, she preceded him in death in 2008.  Rick later married Deborah Cochran on November 19, 2011. She survives.

Rick is survived by his wife, Deborah; children, Bethany Parrish of Fairview Heights, Daniel (Nikki) Bohnenstiehl of Worden, and Dayna (Joel) Atwood of Collinsville; six grandchildren, Blaine Embley, Anna Embley, Ethan Bohnenstiehl, Kaylynn Bohnenstiehl, Roman Atwood, and Dash Atwood; son in law Brian Embley; daughter in law Maleri Parrish; sister Kathi Childress.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Barbara; daughter Holly Embley; son Lucas Parrish; sister Judy Johnson.

Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of funeral service at noon on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton.

Burial will follow at Brighton Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com