State’s Longest-Serving Judge Retires

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (CN) - The state's longest-serving judge will retire from the Missouri Court of Appeals. Judge John E. Parrish, 69, will retire on Sept. 1, after nearly 36 years on the bench.

Parrish was appointed to the court of appeals in January 1990 and was twice retained by voters for 12-year terms. During his 19-year tenure, Parrish wrote more than 900 opinions, served six years as a presiding judge of one of the court's two divisions and served as the court's chief judge in 1992 and 1993.

"It has been a distinct privilege to serve as a Missouri judge during the administration of eight governors," Parrish said in a statement. "I have enjoyed the friendships and working relationships with the many judges with whom I have served during that time. I sincerely believe that Missouri has the finest judiciary in the country."

Parrish, 69, earned his bachelor of business administration degree in 1962 and his law degree in 1965 from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He served as prosecuting attorney of Camden County from 1969 to 1973, when he was appointed a circuit judge in the 26th Judicial Circuit. He was elected to the circuit judge position in 1974 and was re-elected in 1976, 1982 and 1988.

Parrish said he has no immediate plans for retirement other than to spend time with his grandchildren.

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