Delbert George Parnell

Delbert George Parnell was born on January 25, 1930 in Palouse, Washington to George and Dorothy Parnell and passed away peacefully on July 2, 2017 in Renton, Washington. As a young boy his family moved to Fair Oaks, California where they ran a dairy farm, where Del learned to work hard, which became a major asset to him as he started his family and built businesses in Sacramento. He married the love of his life, Lois Scott 1948 after they both graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, California. They celebrated 67 years of marriage before Lois preceded him in death in 2015. Del is survived by four children: Nick Parnell (Diane), Patty Mays (Bill), John Parnell (Janet), and Pamela Mee (Floyd); 15 grandchildren: Tami Mays White (John), Zachary Mays (Nicole), Patrick Parnell (Meridyth), Christopher Parnell, Jared Parnell, Rosanne Nowotenski (Dave),Cameron Mays (Jasmine), Kyle Parnell, Benjamin Mee (Sarah), Michael Mays (Meagan), Michelle Weider (James), Levi Parnell (Joy), Hunter Parnell (Molly), Eric Mee, Jessica Mee and 21 Great Grandchildren who delighted him in his later years.

Parnell Heating & Air Conditioning served the Sacramento area for over 25 years with excellence and respect in the greater Sacramento community. Del retired in 1996. He and Lois enjoyed retirement, going on many trips with their group of friends.

In 2006 Del and Lois moved to Renton, Washington to be close to Patty and her family even though the move was hard for Nick, John and Pam, who had enjoyed having them close for so many years. Del spent many hours caring for Patty and Bill’s horses, dogs and chickens, which brought him great joy. These years were very special for Patty and Bill, their children and grandchildren.

Although he grieved the loss of his wife, he treasured two more years with his loving family and continued to find enjoyment in his hobbies of woodworking and caring for the animals with his great grandchildren.

After surviving colon cancer surgery, Del rebounded with great resilience to enjoy six months of good health before succumbing to metastatic brain cancer. He entered Heaven surrounded by his four children, who loved him dearly and cared for him at his home until his final breath. He passed with much grace and dignity, affirming his children and reassuring them of his great love. He accomplished his goals and ended with, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”