Donald Lee Parnell

Donald Lee Parnell passed away peacefully on November 20, 2023, at the age of 83 in Benbrook, Texas. He was born on April 1, 1940, in Wichita Falls, Texas, to Lee and Kathryn Parnell. Don was known to his loved ones as "Dad" or "Granddad" and to his friends as “Parnell”.

Don was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  He was a graduate of Will Rogers High School and Tulsa University. Don had a successful career in the oil business, dedicating over 30 years of his life to companies such as Texaco Oil, Chaplin Oil, Moncrief Oil and Banter Exploration. His time in the oil business took him all over the world. Don had traveled to a vast majority of the countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. After his time in the oil business, he was a self-proprietor and owner of Star Pawn Shop in Joshua, Texas for many years. Don was also a reserve police officer for over 25 years with the Fort Worth Police Department. For decades you could find Don patrolling the streets of southeast Fort Worth every Tuesday night and on certain holidays.  His service to the City of Fort Worth was highly commended and appreciated.  Don was also a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program.

Don is survived by his second wife, Jackie Parnell; son, Donald L. Parnell Jr and daughter-in-law, Susan MacCallum Parnell; daughter, Kim Gilley and son-in-law, Vance Gilley; daughter, Karen Poe and son-in-law, Shaun Poe; grandchildren, Allie, Je’Anna, Sophia, Konner, Kaleigh, Grant, Jackson, and Kingston; great grandchildren, Raelyn, and Addison; his sister, Sue Parnell Penner; stepchildren, Ronny, and Brett; and many cherished friends.

A ceremony to honor Don's memory will be held on January 3, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Winscott Road Funeral Home, 1001 Winscott Road, Benbrook, Texas 76126.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Meals On Wheels, Inc of Tarrant County (http://mealsonwheels.org) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org). May his soul rest in eternal peace.