Richard Dale Parling

   Richard Dale "Dick" Parling, age 91, of East Lansing, MI, formerly of Ithaca, MI, passed away Monday, January 22, 2024, at his residence surrounded by his family.

    Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, with Pastor Jeff Macha officiating. Burial will take place at Ithaca Cemetery, Ithaca, MI. Visitation will be held from 4-8 P.M. on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the funeral home.

    Richard was born in Gratiot County, Michigan on October 28, 1932, the son of Verne Ivan and Cordie Margaret (Cowdrey) Parling. He graduated from Ithaca High School with the Class of 1950. He was a member of the State Championship Track Team. Dick proudly served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Air Force.  On November 23, 1957, Richard married Evelyn Marion Shaw at the Ithaca Methodist Church, Ithaca, Michigan. They have been married sixty-six years. 

    Dick delivered for Standard Oil for many years. He then was City Clerk-Treasurer for the City of Ithaca until he retired. In retirement, Dick and Evelyn enjoyed many years at Loon Lake. Dick faithfully followed his relatives’ sporting events and all Michigan Sports. He dearly loved his family and was extremely proud of all of them.

    He is survived by his wife Evelyn Parling, his children: Douglas (Connie) Parling of Alma, MI; and Kaye (Gerry) Gardner of East Lansing, MI; four grandchildren: Mickey (Jessica) Parling, Michelle (Brian) Schneider, Jerrod Gardner, and Levi Gardner; three great-grandchildren: Jacob, Emilia, and Everett; brother Donald (Diane) Parling; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Rodney Dean "R.D." Parling, siblings: Betty (James) King, Marjorie (Richard) Goostrey, Jack (Evelyn) Parling, Melvin (Phyllis) Parling, and Donna Parling.

    Memorials may be made to wishes of the family. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.