Jack Parnell

Jack Mitchell Parnell was born September 1, 1931, in Cookson, OK to Ben and Sue (Pettit) Parnell and left this world on March 21, 2024, surrounded by his family at the age of 92.

Jack lived grew up living all over Cherokee County because his father had a wanderlust and he knew Tahlequah like the back of his hand. He married Carolyn Anderson in 1957 and they created a wonderful family. Jack’s life has been a long history from a sailor in the US Navy, bull rider, jockey, mechanic (he could fix ANYTHING), to cattleman, and loving husband and father. The love of horses was born in his soul and the only time he didn’t have one was when he was working for Boeing Aircraft in Washington state. In fact, when he moved his family back to Oklahoma, he bought a horse before he bought a house! He had many horses over the years, but Jubal and Jess were his two favorites. 

Jack had a major influence on Carolyn’s younger siblings and was dearly loved by her parents, Homer and Lillian Anderson. Most of his friends, including his two best buds Sonny Baker and Don Rutherford have gone on. He was content with his life on the ranch with Carolyn, his horses, and cattle. He had been all over the world and didn’t care to be anywhere other than Mud Valley Ranch. 

There have been very few men who were tougher or more hardworking than Jack and he set a fine example of how to be a man for his children and grandchildren. Jack was the youngest of seven children and was the last to pass on. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ben, and Sue Parnell, four sisters, Faye, Pauline, Elizabeth, and Betty, and two brothers Andy and Sam Parnell. 

His memory lives on and is cherished by his wife of the home, Carolyn, and three children. Jackie Parnell and life partner Ed Spears, Mitch and wife Sharon Chambers-Parnell, Jan Parnell-Grant, and husband Kelly all of Tahlequah. Seven grandchildren, Michelle Parnell-Newton and husband Josh, Kylie Parnell-Kinsey and husband Corey, Bethany Parnell-Wheeler and husband Matt, Kaleb Parnell, Breque Parnell-Bellman and husband Elmer, Kaelyn Grant-Shirey and husband Ron, Ben Grant and step-grandson Brent Hoffman and step-granddaughter Christina Stewart along with seven great-grandchildren and like a son, brother-in-law, Ron Anderson, sisters-in-law Sharon Seratt and Linda Burns. Also, three special nieces, Sue Duggar, Rita Parnell, and Mary Elizabeth Parnell-Hodges along with many more nieces, nephews, and friends.

 Services will be held Tuesday, March 26 at Hart Funeral Home at 10 a.m. Visitation will be Monday, March 25 from 4-6 p.m. Interment will follow at Tahlequah City Cemetery.