Joseph H. Parnell, Sr.
January 7, 1920 ~ May 23, 2006
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
JOSEPH H. PARNELL, SR.(Maj. USAF Ret.), WWII and Korean War Veteran, died May
23, 2006, at Parkview Hospital, Pueblo, Colorado, where he was a patient at
the VA Nursing Home Care Unit. He was 86 years old.
Survived by his wife, Doris, of the family home in Tijeras, N.M.; son, Samuel S. (Laura) Parnell;
granddaughters Jessica Bryant and Amanda Parnell; and great-granddaughter, Aubrey D'Angelo. Also a sister, Mildred, who resides in assisted living
facility in Alabama, and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law.
Predeceased by his son, Joseph H. Parnell, Jr., 1st Lt. U.S. Army -
Helicopter Pilot, whose remains are interred in Fort Logan Cemetery.
Joseph was born January 7, 1920, in Munford, Alabama, where he attended
school. He was drafted into the military one day before Pearl Harbor,
December 7, 1941.
Joseph served his country 23 years. He was among the first American
servicemen to serve in England. From there he entered flight training,
winning his wings in February 1944, and his commission as 2nd Lt.
He served in China, Japan, Korea, and Germany with his last assignment at
Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, where he was Aircraft Commander of KC135, refueling
B-52's during the Cold War. He retired from active duty June 1, 1964, with
the status of command pilot.
Joseph earned many medals including: Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying
Cross, Air Medal with two oakleaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Korean War Service Medal, National Defense Medal and many campaign and service awards.
Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. His remains will be interred on June 9, 2006, 10:00 AM, at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado, with full military honors.
Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
Joe had served as my substitue rural carrier on Rural Route 2 in Pueblo, Colorado. I enjoyed working with him and have thought of him often. With deepest sympathy.