Richard "Pa" Parnell

Richard Leroy Parnell Sr. was born on July 10th, 1929 in Hulbert, OK, the son of Elliot Elby Parnell and Ethel Briggs Parnell. The family he lived in also had one brother, Eugene, and two sisters, Gertrude and Georgia. He attended school and graduated from Tahlequah high School. He met a lovely young lady, named Margie Lee Carey, and they were united in Holy Matrimony in Ft. Smith, AR on August 19th, 1950. This loving union raised two sons, Richard L. and David E. Richard provided for his family as a jeweler for over 47 years, at Sloans Jewelry. Margie and Richard loved any chance to spend time as a family. Margie loved racing boats and Richard loved building them for her. They loved camping out under the stars and later in life took the family RV out on fishing excursions. They loved traveling the open road and the two of them took to their motorcycles and covered the highways from Colorado to Texas, and this hobby lasted until they were in their 70’s. He was quite the mechanic and could make anything run.

He loved people, helping them, talking with them, and spending time over a cup of coffee. There were no strangers in Richard’s life, just friends he hadn’t met yet. He was ready to have fun, at any time and any place. Richard would make you smile one way or another. Richard walked close to God, and served him all of his days. He enjoyed worshipping at various churches and never missed. It was his faith that carried him through the rough times, like the day his beloved Margie was called to her heavenly rest after 72 years of love, laughter and memories. Richard, now loving called Pa by his family and friends, kept the faith and clung tightly to the family he adored. The Lord called this good and faithful service home from his many labors on January 3rd, 2024 in Broken Arrow, OK, surrounded by those he knew and loved. Pa was 94 years old and leaves a wonderful legacy of love of family and friends, and service to God.

He has gone home to join his grandparents, his mother and father, his brother Eugene, two sisters, Gertrude Austin, and Georgia Stone, his beloved wife Margie, his son Richard, and one granddaughter, Chelsea Lee Parnell.

His memory will live on in his son, David E. Parnell and wife Kim of Broken Arrow, OK, and he beloved grandchildren, Christen Sharon and husband Conner of Broken Arrow, OK, and Jenny Parnell and Kody Bradley of Tulsa, OK. The great grandchildren include Campbell, Jordan, Owen, Cainwyn, Wyatt, all of Broken Arrow, OK, as well as a host of friends and loved ones far too numerous to mention.

Funeral services for Richard Leroy “Pa” Parnell Sr. will be conducted on Monday, January 8th, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Airport Freewill Baptist Church at 1190 N. Mingo Rd in Tulsa, OK, with David Parnell leading services. A visitation will be held prior to services at Freewill Baptist beginning at noon. He will be laid to rest at Swimmer Cemetery in Hulbert, OK with Pastor Sam Keener officiating.

Pallbearers for Richard include Mike Smiley, Don Pifer, Jose Perez, and Greg Fugate.