Dr. Charles R. Parish died Sunday June 14, 2026 at home following a short illness. He was born to Richard and Dorothy Parish on November 14, 1936 at Oak (Thornhope), Indiana. He graduated high school at Grass Creek, Indiana in 1954. After a short introduction to pre-med at I.U., he returned to study his first love of Mathematics and Physics, graduating from Ball State Teachers College in 1958. After a year of graduate study at Michigan State University, Charles returned to Ball State and completed his M.A. in mathematics in 1961. He then taught mathematics at Ball State from 1961 to 2000. During that period he did additional graduate studies at the University of Nebraska and completed his PhD in Mathematics Education at Purdue University in 1978. During his tenure at Ball State, he presented papers in Tokyo, Japan, Gold Coast of Australia, and Chang Mai, Thailand. At Ball State, he taught undergraduate and graduate mathematics courses primarily for secondary mathematics education students. He chaired the Secondary Mathematics Education Committee for 20 years. Charles enjoyed gardening and was an avid milk bottle collector and toy tractor collector (particularly Allis-Chalmers).

Charles was most fortunate to find a true love in his wife, Nancy. She cared for him and nurtured him as no one else could have. He loved her as he did his two step-daughters: Lisa Upchurch and Laura Fifer (husband: Rory). He loved his grandsons: Jarret Upchurch (wife: Kate), Caleb Fifer (wife: Bidisha), and Gavin Richards. He also had one great-grandson: Tobias Upchurch and one great-granddaughter due any day. What a wonderful loving family.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers: John (Jack) and Michael.

He led an interesting life and tried to leave the world a little better for his having been there.

Visitation will be Monday June 22, 2026 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Meacham Funeral Service followed by the funeral ceremony at 2 p.m.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Greenville, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be given to Redcrest Hospice at IU Health Hospice, 2401 W. University Ave., Muncie, IN 47303.