William Don Parnell

Don was born April 16, 1942 in Baytown, Texas. He graduated from Channelview High School where he achieved top scholars and excelled in football, basketball and track. Don graduated from Texas A&M University and was a proud Major in the Corps of Cadets. He worked in the banking industry most of his career and was Vice President for one of the downtown Houston banks. Prior to retiring, Don sold vehicles for Ford Motor Company and of course always drove a Ford.

Don's greatest passion was serving Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Memorial Baptist Church was his true home and its members were his family. He was fully devoted to serving God and ensuring that everyone had a place to celebrate and worship the Lord. Don had an extensive knowledge of the Gospel and loved discussing scriptures, teaching Sunday School and simply helping others. He was a true man of his word and kept the promises he made, almost to a fault. He was a true believer and man of God. He was dedicated to his faith and set an example we should all try to follow. Don was a rare and special man. He was a true reflection of God's Word and Love.

Don's hobbies included reading (some years he would read over 100 books), deer hunting and just being in nature, and of course playing the occasional pranks on some unsuspecting person (maybe more than occasional). He loved to organize and head up garage sales to help raise money for his church. He always loved a good laugh, and loved telling stories. Don was great at sharing memories from his childhood and past. When listening to his stories, you felt as if you lived it yourself.

He was a faithful and dedicated son to his mother and father. He was an outstanding and stern, yet loving, father to his 2 daughters. A loyal friend to many. He shared his knowledge and insight with all those who would listen. He was strong yet sensitive at the same time. His life should be one that is admired and respected. He learned how to have fun doing anything, no matter what it was. In his younger years he was a risk taker and he pushed the limits. It is a wonder he lived through all his childhood years. He and his best friend Olen really knew how to push the limits. When telling these memories some might question his sanity. It was obvious he lived life on the edge and to the fullest yet he always put those he loved in a higher priority than himself.

Don is survived by his mother, Syble Parnell of Channelview, TX; his two daughters, Brenda Parnell of Milpitas, CA and Kristie Johnson of La Porte, TX; his sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Edward Koch of Rosharon, TX; his grandsons, Dillan Braud and Brayden Johnson of La Porte; and his nephew, Bryan Koch, and nieces, Jenny Allums, and Jennifer Wright. He was preceded in death by his sister, Donna Murphy, niece, Misty Murphy, and father, William Parnell.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, March 11, 2016 at Memorial Baptist Church, 15720 Proctor St, Channelview, TX 77530 with Pastor C. M. Kelly and Pastor Kyle Campbell officiating. A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016, at Navarre Funeral Home. Don will be laid to rest in San Jacinto Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dillan Braud, Brayden Johnson, Bryan Koch, Steven Allums, Cory-Ann Molnar, and Kyle Campbell. Honorary pallbearers will be Olen Underwood, Edward Koch and Nicholas Molnar.

Because Don was devoted to the garage sale fundraisers for the church, we ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Memorial Baptist Church.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.