Arlon Lee Parish, 84, of Las Cruces, New Mexico, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026.

Arlon was born on October 14, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Marvin and Alice Driver Parish. During his school years, he was a well-liked student and an accomplished athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, and track and field. He briefly attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, before transferring to the University of Iowa, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Business in 1965 and a Juris Doctor in 1968.

After practicing law for a short time in Council Bluffs, Arlon relocated to New Mexico, where he found his true passion in real estate and land development. In 1981, he made Las Cruces his home and went on to shape many of the neighborhoods that residents know and cherish today, including High Range, Country Club Heights, Arrowhead Estates, Parkhill Estates, and Mesa Grande Estates.

Arlon was known throughout the community for his warmth, generosity, and genuine interest in people. Whether at the post office or a favorite restaurant, it was common for someone to stop and greet him with a smile and a conversation. He loved his work, viewing it not simply as a career but as an extension of his creativity and remarkable ability to build and create. He also took great pride in mentoring others, generously sharing his knowledge and craftsmanship with those around him.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Arlon enjoyed aeronautics, automobiles, sports, and spending time with his beloved cats.

Arlon is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Brenda, and their three cherished cats, Tiger, Cougar, and Cymba. He is also survived by his son, Nelson Parish and his wife, Kyoung-Hee Jung, of Busan, South Korea; his son, Carey Parish and his wife, Kate Parish, of Littleton, Colorado; his granddaughter, Keegan Parish, of Bellingham, Washington; his grandson, Drew Parish, of Melbourne, Florida; and his stepdaughter, Rachel Petty-Wood and her husband, Craig Wood, of Seattle, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Alice Driver Parish of Underwood, Iowa; his younger sister, Beverly Ravnsborg of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and his older brother, Donald Parish of Underwood, Iowa.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Safe Havens Animal Shelter or Mesilla Valley Hospice in Arlon's memory.