Robert Leland Parli, Jr.

Robert Leland Parli, Jr. lost his courageous battle with cancer, Thursday, September 27, 2012 in Alexandria, Virginia. He was born August 24, 1943 in Pawnee, Oklahoma to Betty Jo Gatewood Parli and Robert Leland Parli. Bob grew up on a farm and attended Morrison Public Schools graduating in 1961. He attended Oklahoma State University, married Karen King on October 25, 1963. The Marine Corp drafted Bob in January 25, 1966. He did his basic training at Camp Pendleton and served in Viet Nam and was honorably discharged on January 24, 1968 with the rank of Sergeant.

Upon his return he worked at Tinker Air Force Base and attended the University of Central Oklahoma earning a degree in Education in May of 1974. June, 1974 the family moved to Fairborn, Ohio for Bob to be the Chief of Safety for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Bob worked at the Pentagon as a Civilian Safety Officer for the Air Force from 1990 to 1998. He married Valarie Fowler on May 17, 1997. He worked at Johnston Atoll for 2 years as a Safety Officer. Bob worked for John Zolak as a Safety Officer for 4 years. At the time of his death, he was serving his 3rd term as Commander of the American Legion Post 177 in Fairfax, Virginia, where he enjoyed a very special relationship with the members. Bob had many hobbies including sports, horse racing and spending time with friends and family.
Bob leaves behind his wife Valarie Fowler, Alexandria, Virginia, daughters, Paige (Rob) Wolfe and Peri (Keith) Pegg, his grandchildren, Harrison, Tanner, McKenna and Morgan, brothers Gary Parli and family of Morrison , Oklahoma, Scott Parli and family of Perry, Oklahoma, sister Pam Lea and family of Porter, Texas and numerous nephews and nieces and extended family members and a host of friends.
Services will be held at Morrison Christian Church, Morrison, Oklahoma, on Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00 pm under the direction of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Perry. Burial will be in the Grace Hill Cemetery, Perry, Oklahoma. A service was held on Sunday, September 30, in Alexandria, Virginia, with a special presentation by the American Legion Post 177. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street NW Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, 1120 G Street NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005