Michael Verne Parrott

Michael Verne Parrott, 86, of Fort Wayne, Indiana died on Sunday, March 29, 2026. Born in Marshall, MN, he was the eldest son of Robert Belgrove and Paula Verne Parrott, also of Fort Wayne. A 1958 graduate of Southside High School, Parrott earned his BA from Carleton College and MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He was an officer in the US Air Force and was awarded the American Spirit of Honor Medal in 1964, completing his service at the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing of the Indiana National Guard.

“Mick” Parrott started his business career in the 1960s with Inland Steel in Chicago and moved to Fort Wayne with ESSEX International. He served as President of Dunbar Furniture in Berne, IN in1974, and returned to Fort Wayne to acquire Customcraft, Inc. and form ICON International in 1980. Mick poured his love of architecture, design, quality, and efficiency into ICON, building it into a market leader in the events industry and driving the invention of the US’s first modular aluminum exhibit systems for tradeshow marketing, museums, and science centers. Demand for these proprietary products led Mick to launch Highmark TechSystems in 1996 to serve a broader marketplace in both indoor and outdoor events. Meanwhile, he had merged ICON with Delphi Productions to form Group Delphi, serving as Chairman until 2020. During these years Mick also served on the Board of Directors of Grange Insurance Companies in Columbus, OH, and as Board Chairman 2007-2013. Mick was named Indiana Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997 and awarded the exhibit industry’s highest award – the Hazel Hays – in 2016.

An active member of the Fort Wayne community, Parrott served on numerous boards, was Chairman of the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce, President of Quest Club and the Business Forum. Mick was among the founders of Canterbury School where he served on its Board of Trustees, chaired its Foundation and Capital Campaign, and held numerous committee leadership roles. A strong believer in the value of rigorous traditional education, Mick was a vocal advocate for the pursuit of K-12 educational excellence.

Mick was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Paula Parrott; and his brothers, Christopher and Stephen Parrott. Mick’s wife of 55 years, Kathryn Parrott, passed away in 2018. They are survived by their three daughters, Jennifer Robinson, Deborah Parrott, and Lesleigh Mitchell; and seven grandchildren. In addition, because their siblings predeceased them, Mick and Kathy maintained close ties with an extended family that includes eight nieces and nephews and their families.

Mick’s family remembers him as a loving and generous father, grandfather and uncle who was an avid skier, an ardent sailor, and an endless chore-doer. He loved opera, writing, reading, storytelling, travel, and hosting gatherings at his Lake Michigan home. He treasured his family, friends, and country, and lived his life according to the Golden Rule. Parrott will be remembered as a visionary entrepreneur, a passionate and principled business leader and community supporter, the patriarch of a large and accomplished family, and a life-long Christian soldier.

Visitation will be on Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, with services at 11:00 am, to be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 611 West Berry Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802, where Mick will be laid to rest in Trinity’s columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canterbury School - Parrott Family Scholarship, Canterbury School - Chapel Speaker Series, and Trinity Episcopal Church. Arrangements are being cared for by Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home. Please visit www.klaehnfahlmeltonfunerals.com to leave condolences.