Parris, Colonel Daniel Houston

Colonel Daniel Houston Parris (our beloved “Papa”) 88, of Lake Ridge, Virginia, passed away on June 4, 2017, in Burke, Virginia, surrounded by his five children, grandchildren and great grandchild. Known as Houston to his family in Cookeville, Tennessee, he was born on the family farm in Byrdstown, Tennessee, on March 31, 1929, the 7th of 14 children. He was predeceased in 2007 by his beloved wife of 50 years, Connie Cole Parris. A renowned fighter pilot and decorated Commander, Dan retired from the US Air Force in 1979 after 28 years of service. He flew fighter jet combat missions in Korea and over 200 night missions in Vietnam. He commanded the famous Night Owl Squadron, the 497th out of Ubon, Thailand, in 1969, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star. He commanded the 48th Fighter Interceptor Squadron out of Langley, Virginia, in 1970 through 1972, bringing his command to win the coveted Hughes Trophy awarded to the best Fighter Squadron in the Air Force. Dan was a quiet man but a natural leader among men and a deadly poker player. He graduated with a BS degree from Tennessee Tech and achieved advanced degrees from the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, as well as from the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He served as Air Defense Advisor to the US Ambassador to NATO in Brussels, Belgium, and also as Director of Communications in NORAD’s Combat Operations Center in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was awarded numerous commendation medals for performance during his career. When Dan retired he became a cowboy, buying and operating a working cattle ranch of over ten thousand acres near Westcliffe, Colorado. He was a graceful rider and made all the spectacular working riding he did appear to be effortless. He loved working the ranch, logging, fixing up the old ranch houses and welcoming hunters and children who also loved the beauty of the mountains, fishing and the outdoors. Dan imbued in his children a love of integrity. “Doing the right thing” was important to “Papa” even down to small details. He also instilled an admirable work ethic, a respect for the truth and the idea that one may brag about the achievements of your friends and loved ones, but not about your own. He loved his extended family in Tennessee, and valued the heritage and lessons he learned on the farm with his parents and siblings. He made many happy trips to family reunions, teaching his kids the family history and lore. All of his siblings were born on the farm, worked hard, remained close ties as a family and achieved success in their chosen fields. He was predeceased by his father, Cosby Lansden Parris, his mother, Susan Cope Parris, his brothers Ulysses Samuel Parris, Winfield Scott Parris, Joseph Edgar Parris, Charles Lansden Parris, his sisters Opal Dean White, Orella Bell Knight, Doris Arlene Vitale, Eula Mae Kerchner and Della Sue Lynn and his daughter in law, Michele Champeau Parris. He is survived by his brothers Jerry Roger Parris and Wayne “Buddy” Parris, sisters Clara Lou Eckel, Emla Faye Wilson, his children, Randy Parris Kendrick, Cindi Parris Godino, Kristy Parris Smith, Darcy Ann Parris Hughes, and Daniel Houston Parris II as well as his children in law, Ken Kendrick, Scott Godino, Sid Smith, Nolan Hughes and Erin Parris. “Papa” was proud of his eleven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. Papa, Houston, Dan will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on November 8, 2017, resting next to the wife he loved. Services will start at 11 am at the Old Post Chapel on Fort Myer. Burial will follow. Transportation will be provided. Please contact Dan Parris, danielparrismem orialservice@gmail.com, for further arrangements, including security. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Par kinson.org.