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Bruce Parrish
1952 - 2026
FUNERAL HOME
Bruce Parrish Obituary
July 11, 1952 - February 21, 2026
BLOOMINGTON - Bruce Allen Parrish, age 73, of Bloomington, Ill., peacefully passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal, Ill. His departure marks the end of a vibrant life filled with creativity, education, and an unwavering passion for the performing arts.
Bruce was born on July 11, 1952, in Alton, Ill., to John Thomas and Betty Kuehnel Parrish. On December 30, 1977, Bruce married Janet Kathleen "Kathy" Rowe at Wesley United Methodist Church in Bloomington, after meeting a year before at an audition at Community Players.
Kathy and his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Parrish of Bloomington, survive to cherish their beautiful memories together. He leaves behind his brothers, John Thomas Parrish Jr. of Godfrey, Ill., and Lawrence Richard (Sandy) Parrish of Joliet, Ill.; and his sister, Cheryl (Jerry) Hutto of Birmingham, Ala.; their children; and grandchildren.
Bruce was preceded in death by his loving parents and sisters-in-law, Rhoda Parrish and Val Parrish.
After transferring from Theatre to the Education department, he graduated in 1974 from Illinois Wesleyan University. Bruce embarked on a fulfilling 36-year career with Bloomington District 87 schools, retiring in 2010. As an educator, he touched countless young lives, and no student left without appreciating the Chronicles of Narnia, the Three Stooges, and Our Gang comedies.
Bruce's true artistic home was with the Community Players, where he devoted an extraordinary 51 years, from 1975 until 2026. His love for the performing arts extended beyond Community Players to his involvement with Miller Park Summer Theatre, where he performed and directed for 15 years under the summer sun. He was a devoted fan of film, which was enhanced in his high school and college years working at The Grand Theater in Alton.
A service celebrating Bruce's extraordinary life will be held at a later date at the Community Players Theatre in Bloomington. Private inurnment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Saybrook, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the Salvation Army, Community Players, or a charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are being lovingly handled by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington, Illinois.
Please visit www.calvertmemorial.com to view the details and share your condolences and cherished memories of Bruce.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Parrish
Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.
8 Entries
Marcie Taylor
Yesterday
Bruce was a rare gem. I so enjoyed working with him at Community Players. I'll never forget him in the roll of Jack, (Into the Woods) hauling around that crazy-looking paper-mache cow. Kathy and Elizabeth, I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a kind man.
Kameron
Yesterday
Among my first memories of Community Players, Bruce was there. My first play was Cheaper By the Dozen and I met Bruce approximately that time. When Deadwood Dick allowed my father to be part of the extras, the bond I felt between Bruce and my dad was like ol' friends and I felt like CPT was a good fit. I always felt Bruce was a great mentor to me and the many who have come and gone as part of Players. I feel the future of Players will grow from the memories of Bruce shared by those that knew him and had his influences.
Blessing to Bruce and I wish only the best of memories for all that knew him as well as for Kathy and Elizabeth.
Jody Kirbach
Yesterday
Bruce was an extraordinary person & loved by too many to count. Prayers for Kathy, Elizabeth & all fortunate to have known him.
Mike Barford
Yesterday
Saw him perform in Anything Goes at Illinois Wesleyan, an unforgettable moment. Condolences to his wife and daughter and friends
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Jeff Lockenvitz
Yesterday
I send my deepest sympathies and condolences to Kathy and Eli. Bruce was amazing in so many ways and one of my favorite people in the world. It´s difficult to encapsulate all of his personality, what he meant to so many people, his talents, and all that he accomplished in life. I´m proud that he was my friend and as a Warrior/Wolf, he left his mark!
Kathy halcom
Yesterday
Bruce was a great guy when it came to him coming into Schnucks alot to talk to me when I was a cashier there. Im very sorry for the loss of him
Patti Geske
February 25, 2026
I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Bruce through Community Players. He was a wealth of information. I always loved his sense of humor.
I'm grateful that our paths crossed.
Prayers and love to his family.
Brian Pihl
February 25, 2026
Bruce literally was the bones and historian of Community Players Theatre. Worked with him and his daughter Eli on stage several times. He will be missed!
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Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel1115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
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