Thomas "Zeke" Parisian

Thomas Lawrence "Zeke" Parisian, 72, of Box Elder, passed away at his residence, on Thursday, May 18, 2012, of natural causes.

Thomas Parisian

Zeke was born on July 26, 1939, to Joseph and Clara (Gardipee) Parisian in Fort Belknap, Mont. He graduated from Box Elder school, and following his first year of college, he married Irene Lee Belcourt, and their union was blessed with six children. Over the years, Zeke worked as a Business Committee member for the Chippewa Cree Tribe, and bronzing baby shoes, in Culver City, Calif., but he loved farming. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing cards, drinking a Budweiser and watching the San Francisco 49ers, and his favorite songs were "Bridge Over Troubled Waters," by Simon & Garfunkel, "Grandpa." by the Judds and "Need You Now," by Lady Antibellum.

Zeke was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Paul and Edward Parisian; his sisters, Stella Flanagan, Margaret Swan, Mary "Bibs" Parisian Douglas and Lena Stamper; his grandsons, Michael Walls and Jerry Henry; his nephew, Michael Douglas; and his godchild, April Dawn Stamper.

He is survived by his wife, Irene "Rena" of Box Elder; his daughter, Carol (Dan) Mellgren of Spokane, Wash .; his five sons, Kelly (Marlene), Thomas (Tracey) and Christopher (Sam) and Lori Parisian, all of Box Elder, George "Pucksue" (Tammy) Parisian of Billings, and Tony (Edwina) Parisian of Havre; his sisters, Olive Rosette of Box Elder and Bernadette Lords of Albequerque, N.M .; his brother, Joseph Leonard Parisian of Box Elder; 15 grandchildren, Cheryl (Scott) Harwood, Georgie (Dalton Sunchild) Russell, Leslee (Chad) Parker, Lynn, Ashley, Shaleen (Justin Daychild) Jozeke, Chuckie and Sella Parisian, DaLene (Shane) Kittilstved, Tom Houston, Kaylee Mellgren, and John, Joe and Bear; 20 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2012, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Box Elder. Funeral services are at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 21, 2012 ,at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, with Father Pete Guthneck officiating. Interment will follow the service at Box Elder Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the church immediately after the service at the graveside.