John "Jack" D. Parr

Parr, John D. Sr. "Jack" Saginaw, Michigan Retired Director of Vocational Education for the Saginaw Public Schools System passed away at his home, Monday, May 5, 2014. Age 91 years. The son of the late John L. and Louise (Hanson) Parr was born November 10, 1922 in Alpena, Michigan. He married Carol K. Koonce, August 10, 1946. She survives him. Together they celebrated 67 years of marriage. He served with the U. S. Army Air Corp. during WWII. He received his Bachelor's and Master's degree in Education from Michigan State University. His teaching career began in Romeo and then with the Saginaw Public Schools at North School. He served as Principal at Webber Junior High and he became the first Principal of the Averill Career Center (now Saginaw Career Complex), retiring as Director of Vocational Education in 1986. He was named to the Michigan Education Hall of Fame in 1988. Jack was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, the Riverside Kiwanis Club, several education associations including the Michigan Industrial Education Society and the Retired School Personnel Assoc. He served with Saginaw Vision 20-20. He enjoyed golf, photography and woodworking, was well known for his turned wood vases and bowls. Surviving besides his wife, Carol, are two children, Karen Parr; John "Jack" Parr Jr. and his wife, Marge Coleman; five grandchildren, Danae Hunt; Roxanne Parr; Moriah Parr; McKenzie Kohloff-Parr; Kaytee Coleman; Andrew Coleman; three great grandchildren, Claire, Emma and Allie; many nieces and nephews. A son, David Parr, a sister and brother-in-law, Marion and Fred Yockey, his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Lillian and Bertram Koonce, four brothers-in-law and two sisters-in-law have predeceased him. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 10, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church, 121 S. Harrison St. Saginaw. Dr. Robert L. Emrich will officiate. Memorial visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Friday at the W. L. Case and Co. Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Saginaw and then at the Church from 9:00 a.m. Saturday until the time of the memorial service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider First Presbyterian Church, the American Heart Assoc. or the charity of their choice. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603