Alfred Philip Parham

Once called one of the "most loved men in the church," The Reverend Doctor Alfred Philip Parham, died on November 24, 2025 at The Manor at Elfindale. He was born on December 20, 1930, at Fort Benning, GA, the only child of Alfred Henry Parham, United States Military Academy 1928 (who wrote the words to the Official West Point March) and Elisa deChoisel Ott, Florida State University 1930. A Yale graduate and an ordained clergyman, Father Parham devoted over 50 years as counselor and spiritual director to thousands of persons in San Antonio and El Paso, TX.

He was the author of several books, including the best-selling Christian devotional Letting God, based on the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and just recently published (at 94 years of age) a revision to Feeling Free (Emotional Redemption in Christ).

Father Parham was an Episcopal priest, having received a Doctor of Ministry degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary, San Anselmo, CA, a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest, Austin, TX, where he graduated as class valedictorian and later twice president of the Alumni; a Bachelor of Arts degree from Yale University, New Haven, CT.

He was an All-American distance swimmer at Woodward Academy in Georgia and on the Yale Varsity team. As a master's swimmer, he broke the world record in Tokyo and was a national champion in Florida. He was ranked in the top ten swimmers in the world.

Philip was ordained in 1963 into the Episcopal priesthood and vicared at All Saints Church in Pleasanton, TX. He was the founding rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in San Antonio, where he served for 15 years. He began a counseling service at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in San Antonio, TX, and served as chaplain of St. Mary's Hall school in San Antonio. He was Director of Marriage and Family Therapy at the Pastoral Counseling Service in El Paso, TX, until his retirement in 1999.

After retirement, he wrote Feeling Free (first edition) and served churches in Texas, New Mexico, and Missouri as supply priest. He also became rector of St. Alban's Church in El Paso. He and his first wife, Ruth, ministered together in Marriage Encounter, Cursillo and on several cruises as chaplain for passengers and crew.

In 2012, Philip and his late wife Ruth moved to Springfield, MO, and were devoted members of St. John's Episcopal Church.

Alfred (Philip) was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Clauser Parham, in 2021. In 2022, he married Karen Seutter, with whom he enjoyed four blissful years. She survives of the home. He is also survived by three daughters: Susan Carter of Springfield; Sharon Parham (Bayard Fox) of Napa, CA; and Sandy Parham of Austin, TX; four grandchildren: Sarah Youree of Austin, TX; Stacie Hammer of Jefferson City, MO; Seth Youree (Lauren) and sons Micah and Asher of Lincoln, NE and Susanna Youree of Austin, TX; a stepson, Timothy Hoyer of Richmond, VA; a niece, Karen Knox of Davenport, FL and a godson, Andrew Reichert, of Austin, TX.

Alfred's (Philip) ashes will be placed with those of his late wife, Ruth, at St. John's Episcopal Church, Springfield, MO. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025 with Father Jerry Miller assisting priest and homilist.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John's Episcopal Church, 515 E Division St, Springfield, MO 65803, for a memorial bench in his honor.