Ben Parnell

OBITUARY Mr. Ben Parnell of Holland, former banker in Bartlett, Williamson County, Texas died on January 14, 2008. He was born January 23, 1928 in Canadian, Hemphill County, Texas. His parents were small ranchers in Lipscomb County where he had lived for the first 26 years of his life. In 1962 he moved his family to Bartlett where he and an associate bought the First National Bank. Control of the bank was later sold; however, he remained as CEO until 1988. Ben loved his home in the country where he spent many years farming and ranching. Ben was a Mason, an Elder of Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple, treasurer of the Salvation Army in Bartlett, Chairman of Third District Texas Bankers Association, and Chairman of Bartlett Housing Association. He was the author of one book, "The Carpetbaggers, America's Secret War in Europe" which grew from his interest and research surrounding the death of his brother in the crash of a Carpetbagger B-24. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Polly; one daughter Jeanne Douglas and husband Gary of San Antonio; one son Rob Parnell and wife Sara of Coppell, TX.; four grandchildren, Grant Parnell Douglas, Bradley Benson Parnell, Samuel Quinn Parnell, and Polly Anne Parnell; one sister Louise King and one brother Sidney A. Parnell, both of Canadian; and several nephews and nieces. He appreciated the many years of service by Pedro Aguayo and Emma Franco. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and one brother who was killed in the Eighth Air Force in W.W. II. Ben was greatly loved and admired by many for his wisdom, kindness and courage. Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM Thursday at Grace Presbyterian Church in Temple. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple. Memorials may be made to Presbyterian Children's Home, 4407 Bee Cave