Bruce Parrish

1952 - 2026

Bruce Parrish

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.