Jack Parnell

JACK PARNELL February 12, 1920 – April 22, 2007 Jack Parnell, 87, formerly of Waco, died Sunday afternoon, April 22, 2007 at Westview Manor in McGregor, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 24 at Waco Memorial Park with the Rev. John Wells officiating from The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit. Family visitation will be Tuesday, April 24 from 6 – 8 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6106 Bosque Blvd. in Waco. Jack Parnell was born February 12, 1920 in Corsicana, Texas. At the age of three, he and his twin sister, Jane, were adopted from the Corsicana State Home by Louis Henry Parnell and wife, Nora White Parnell. He attended school in Hearne, Texas. In 1939, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Alamogorda and High Rolls, New Mexico. In July 1940, he attended Cook and Bakery School in High Rolls. On February 6, 1942, he enlisted in the US Army. He served as a cook in CO C 159th Infantry Regiment. While in the Army, he served in the Alaskan Theater and was stationed in Cold Bay, Adak Island, Kiska Island, and Amchitka Island. Later, he was stationed in California before serving in the European Theater. Mr. Parnell served in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany. He returned to Camp Walters, Texas where he was honorably discharged on November 11, 1945. On December 15, 1944, he married Minnie Belle Martine of Elliott near Hearne at Camp Swift in Bastrop, Texas. A daughter, Jackie Lou, died at the age of 2 days on September 28, 1946. In 1948, they adopted a daughter, Ora Jeanette. He was employed by Martin Linen Supply in Waco on November 28, 1945 and retired in 1985 with 40 years of service. On March 18, 1978, he married Rosalie Ina Poteet Grover. She died March 26, 1997. Mr. Parnell was a Scottish Rite, member of American Legion #440, a 50 years plus 32nd degree Mason in J. H. Gurley Lodge No. 337, and a Shriner in Waco. In the 1960’s he was an auxiliary policeman. Over the years, he enjoyed photography, wood working, gardening, hunting, and fishing. He especially loved going deer hunting and being the “camp cook”. He was a member of The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Waco. He was confirmed, February 26, 1961 at St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Waco. Mr. Parnell is survived by his daughter, Jeanette and husband, James Luning of McGregor; grandson Michael Luning, of Waco; stepson, Dr. William “Bill” Grover, and wife, Janna; grandchildren, Michael Grover, Elizabeth Grover, and Katherine Grover of Colleyville. Memorials may be sent to Provident Hospice, The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Waco, Texas, Central Baptist Church at 2901 Connor, Waco or the charity of your choice. The family would like to give special thanks to the nurses and caregivers of Westivew Manor, Providence Hospice, and Dr. Burbidge for all their love and care over the past two and half years. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our “Memorial Guestbook” at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey