Dick Parnell

Send Flowers Dick Parnell September 13, 1936 - March 25, 2017 James R. “Dick” Parnell, 80, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 at Citizens Medical Center in Colby. He was born on September 13, 1936 to Jim and Geraldine (Coffin) Parnell in Goodland, KS.   Dick graduated from Goodland High School in 1954. Dick married Shirley Donn in Colby on May 2, 1973 and lived in Goodland, KS.   They moved to Lincoln, NE in 1974, and then moved to York, NE in 1979. While in York, Dick and Shirley were active members of the Elks. He worked as a salesman for Champion Home Builders in Nebraska for many years, Various sales jobs.  Dick served as the Exalted Ruler and was active on the state level. In 1992, they moved to Colby to be closer to family. He was the Manager of the Colby American Legion prior to his retirement in 1998.  Dick converted to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1995, where he was an active member. He served as Eucharistic minister, server, hospitality, and was on the parish council.   He was a past Grand Knight, past Faithful Navigator, past State District Deputy, and a member of the Honor Guard of the Knights of Columbus. Dick directed the annual Knights of Columbus tootsie roll drive for many years. He was a volunteer for delivery of the community Meals on Wheels program for fifteen years. Dick was one of the founders of the Thomas County Amusement Association. He was an avid Nebraska football fan and hardly missed a game on TV. His hobbies included working in the yard and garden, jig saw puzzles, doing scroll saw wood projects, and watching Nascar races. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as several nieces and nephews. Surviving is his wife Shirley, his sister Mary (Rob) Heninger of Monument, CO.; cousin Kathy (Garnett) Bednaugh of Hammond, Louisiana; nieces and nephews Debbie (Mark) Lindsay of Utah, Robley Heninger III of Colorado, Jeanne (Jef) Gallacci, Washington, David (Karisa) Heninger, Colorado, Greg Hein, Glenda Merideth, Ike (Diane) Donn, Julie (Drew) Barnes, all of Colby, Roy Donn, Texas, Carsen (Patti) Donn, Colorado, David Donn, Mickey Donn, Gary (Cathy) Donn, Kenny (Pari) Donn, Jackie (Dennis Sr.) McGuire, and sister-in-law Frances Donn, all of Florida. He also leaves behind many great and great-great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 29 at Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel with vigil service at 6:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, March 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Colby. Burial will follow at Beulah Cemetery. A memorial as been established for the Knights of Columbus, No. 2647, Colby in care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel, 745 South Country Club Drive, Colby.