Jesse R. Parnell

Jesse R. Parnell, having proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII made his transition on November 5, 2023.  He was 97 years old.  Jesse was born in Sparksville, KY on January 22, 1926.  He was currently residing in Indianapolis, IN.

Jesse loved getting with other veterans through Indy Honor Flight, American Legion or anywhere/anytime someone showed an interest in talking about his time in WWII.  He could mesmerize a crowd.  He spoke about sailing out by the Statue of Liberty just shy of his 18^th birthday and returning under the Golden Gate Bridge a little over 3 years later.  He loved to share stories about being stationed in England, France, Hawaii and a few other places.  He wanted to keep the memory of WWII alive in the hearts and minds of young people.

Jesse, as he was fondly known, spent the last 30 years of his life as an entrepreneur of a lawn mower repair, sales and service shop.  People brought their mowers from all over the city for him to work on because he was reliable and reasonable.  He will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbors.

Jesse was preceded in death by his parents Mattie and Emmit Parnell, his wife Dorothy McGuire Parnell and his brother Stanley Parnell.

Jesse is survived by sister Mary “Del” Westerfield, brothers Willard Parnell (Janiece), Harmon Parnell (Nancy), Allan Parnell (Bunny) and Lewis Parnell (Eleen).  Daughter Darlene Parnell, sons Larry Parnell, David Parnell (Libbi) and Tony Parnell.  Grandsons Joshua Parnell and Dustin Heiser.  Granddaughters Jessica Parnell (Leo), Nicole Vogel (Scott), Brittany Parnell (Robert), several great grand children and many nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may visit from 11am until 1pm on Friday, November 10, 2023 at Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 E. Washington St, Indianapolis), where funeral services will immediately follow, beginning at 1pm.  Jesse will be buried next to his wife Dorothy in Washington Park East Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Indy Humane or Indy Honor Flight.