Lee Roy John Parchen

1940-2015 

LeeRoy John Parchen, 74, of Richland, Washington passed away on March 12, 2015, in Richland, WA.

LeeRoy was born in Clinton, Iowa to Kenneth and Agnes Parchen on July 6, 1940.  His family moved to Richland when he was 3 years old. He attended schools in Richland including Columbia High School where he graduated in 1959. He attended Central Washington University where he met the love of his life Lynda Patnode of Wapato, Washington. They were married for 40 years and had three daughters, Tracy, Teri and Linda.  

He worked as a chef in the early years at Rays Golden Lion and Desert Inn in Richland.  He worked for a few years at Boeing in Seattle.  He moved the family back to Richland where he worked and retired from Battelle Northwest where he tested nuclear fuel for the Hanford Reactors.

LeeRoy had numerous interests and hobbies that included elk, duck, and pheasant hunting. He and Lynda were instrumental in sports and started a girls’ softball league in 1972.  The league has grown from 20 to well over 1000 female athletes. He also coached basketball and softball. One of his major accomplishments was being a member of the Richland Bomber 1958 State Championship basketball team.  The trophy and photograph are still displayed in the Richland High School gym. When Coach Art Dawald needed a quick two points he relied on LeeRoy.  In addition to playing basketball, he was a referee for high school basketball (Big 9) for many years.  Several of his fondest memories were spent at the Log Cabin Resort at Twin Lakes, WA with his wife, children, brothers, relatives, and great friends. 

LeeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Agnes Parchen, wife Lynda, brother Kenny and sister Jenneth. 

LeeRoy is survived by his loving partner Louise Bogart, children Tracy Steelman (Mark), Teri Printz (Bill), and Linda Henjum.  He is also survived by six grandchildren, Kayla, Caitlin, Tyler, Brooklyn, Dylan and Brigette; brothers Don (Kathy), Keith (Sandy), and Wayne (Lauren) Parchen and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A viewing will be held on Friday March 20^th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Einan’s at Sunset Funeral Home (915 Bypass Hwy., Richland). A graveside service will be held at the Resthaven Cemetery (700 Williams Blvd., Richland) on Saturday March 21^st at 12 p.m.

A celebration of LeeRoy’s life will immediately follow the graveside back at the Einan’s at Sunset Chapel from 1-4pm. Please come to share your special memories of LeeRoy with us. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Benton-Franklin Humane Society or Hospice at the Chaplaincy where LeeRoy was a volunteer.