O. L. Parish, Jr.

Overton L. Parish, Jr. of San Angelo passed away peacefully on November 22, 2012. He was surrounded by his wife and children at Rotary House of Hope in San Angelo as he passed on to meet his Lord and Savior.

O.L. was born on September 14, 1924, in Ballinger, Texas, to O.L. and Lilly Parish. The third of five children, O.L. grew up in Ballinger and attended Ballinger High School, graduating in 1942. Immediately upon graduation he enrolled in college then married his long-time sweetheart and love of his life, Martha Jo Reese, on October 31 in Ballinger. Their relationship is a true love story, and their love and care for each other has been visible throughout their lives together.

O.L. enrolled at his beloved University of Texas in June of 1942. He joined the United States Army Reserve on November 12, 1942, and continued his studies until called to active duty in April of 1943. He trained at Camp Maxie in Paris, Texas and Fort Hood in Kileen, Texas. O.L. bravely served in the 103rd Infantry Division during World War II and saw combat in France and Germany. He was honorably dischaged at the war's end.

Upon completion of service to his country, O.L. enrolled at the University of Texas Law School, graduating with a Doctorate of Jurisprudence in 1949. He returned to Ballinger where he established a home for his family and began his fifty-six year long career in law.

He was active in many community organizations. He served as a member of the Ballinger Memorial Hospital Board, Director of the First National Bank of Ballinger, member of the Ballinger ISD School Board, and held the position of Runnels County attorney from 1955 to 1976. He was elected as a Texas Bar Foundation Fellow, received certification to serve as a Supreme Court attorney and counselor, and was elected as a Fellow of the American College of Probate Counsel. He continued a private law practice in Ballinger until 2006.

O.L. loved spending time with family and cheering the Texas Longhorns to victory. He remained young at heart throughout his life always keeping up with the latest technology.

He is preceded in death by his parents, O.L. Parish, Sr. and Lilly Murphy; his brother, William (Bill) Parish; and sisters, Esther Gillean and Marguerite Spraberry.

He is survived by his wife of seventy years, Martha Jo Parish; son, O.L. "Linn" Parish III and wife Terry of Lubbock; daughter, Pam Underwood and husband Wendel of San Angelo; sister, Charlene Christian of Dallas; and four grandchildren, O.L. "Bud" Parish IV and wife Deidre of Frisco, Tom Underwood of Ballinger, Tim Underwood and wife Traci of Cypress, and Wes Underwood and wife Dian of Commerce. "Pop" especially delighted in his eight great-grandchildren: Catherine and Isabella Parish of Frisco, Emma and Will Underwood of Kyle, Gus Underwood and Joleigh Underwood of Cypress, and Allie and Sam Underwood of Commerce.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., Saturday, November 24 at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. His funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 25 at First United Methodist Church of Ballinger. O.L. will be laid to rest with patriotic rites at Evergreen Cemetery in Ballinger.

Pallbearers include Bud Parish, Tom Underwood, Tim Underwood, Wes Underwood, Gus Underwood, and John McGregor of San Angelo.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to good friends Rudy and Teresa Perez for their love and support, to all caregivers, as well as to Hospice of San Angelo and Rotary House of Hope.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of San Angelo and Rotary House of Hope or a favorite charity.