Leon Parish of Wichita Falls, Texas, passed away peacefully in the morning hours of March 26, 2021. At 93, Leon left a legacy of light and love for his family, friends, and community. Leon was born in Olney, Texas, on September 26, 1927 and graduated from Newcastle High School in 1946. He attended Hardin Junior College for a semester before enlisting in the Army and serving in Korea as a military policeman and warehouseman. Afterward, he attended Cisco Junior College, lettering in football and basketball. Leon then attended Midwestern State University where he met Georgia Kelley. They married in 1950. He graduated with a B.A. degree in History and a minor in Government.

Discovering a love for children while working at the Boy's Club, Leon pursued a Masters in Administrative Education with a minor in PE. He applied his talents as a teacher and coach at Samnorwood ISD, then Briscoe ISD. In 1956, they returned to Wichita Falls. After teaching Air Force Mechanics for a year at Sheppard AFB, Leon began his career with WFISD, teaching biology at Wichita Falls High School. He became Assistant Principal at Rider High School, then principal-first at Barwise Junior High, then returning to Rider. In 1976, he moved to the Central Administration Office as Director of Non-Certified Personnel. He retired from WFISD in 1989.

Leon's professional organizations included Phi Delta Kappa, Kiwanis Club, Wichita Falls Area Association of Retired School Personnel, City Teachers Association of Wichita Falls, Texas State Teachers Association, Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and National Education Association. Leon enjoyed golf, fishing, senior volleyball, playing cards with good friends, and performing magic tricks for his grandchildren. He satisfied creative pursuits with his poetic writing, painting, and carpentry. He loved a good debate, but with a joke always waiting on the tip of his tongue, Leon brought laughter to every table. His greatest passion, however, was spreading the light of Christianity. An active member of Faith Village Church of Christ, Leon served as a deacon and ministry chairman for many years.

Leon is survived by his daughter, Dianne Browning and her husband, Floyd; his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of other friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by parents, R.C. and Clara Parish; sister, Helen Blair; wife, Georgia Parish; adopted daughter, Debbie Keiper; and great grandson, Justin Shelnutt.

Funeral services, under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home, will be March 31 ^st , at 10:00 A.M. at Faith Village Church of Christ with Chris Swinford, presiding. Internment will follow at Crestview Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Faith Village Library, Hospice of Wichita Falls, or any other charity of choice. Family visitation will be at Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 30th from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M.