PALESTINE, Illinois — Richard “Dick” Vehling, a treasured husband, father, World War II veteran, educator, and avid collector, passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2023, in Robinson.
Ellis O. Parrish, 85, of Mt. Erie, IL, formerly of Hammond, IN, died December 13, 2021, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL. He was born December 26, 1935, in Oblong, IL, the son of Elmer Everett & Sylvia Lucille (York) Parrish, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Sylvia Parrish; his step-mother, Bernice Parrish; and a sister in infancy. He married Evelyn Joyce Allison on June 26, 1959, and she survives. He is also survived by his daughter, Allison Parrish; by his granddaughter, Krystal Parrish Bennett; as well as several cousins. Ellis lost his mother at a young age and grew up all over the area. He would go on to serve his country in the U.S. Army, rebuilding airfields in Japan for much of his time in the service. Back stateside, he found work with the Queen Anne Candy Company for a time before getting laid off. Joyce took matters into her own hands and was able to get into contact with the fine folks at the Lasalle Steel